“All Ethiopians had planned to plant six hundred million saplings until sunset today. We were not going to let the sun go down without achieving what we set out to do, and we were able to plant 615.7 million saplings in one night,” said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) while declaring the success of the challenge set to break the record of planting 600 million seedlings in one day.
The nationwide tree-planting initiative saw the participation of citizens from all walks of life. “Children have planted their hope. Young people have shown their resilience. The elderly have left an inheritance,” the Prime Minister said, commending the collective efforts of the Ethiopian people.
Through this massive reforestation effort, the country is taking a significant step toward addressing the challenges of climate change and soil degradation. “Today we stand up for the balance of climate change. We have lined up to fight soil degradation,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing the importance of these efforts in ensuring food security and restoring the land’s prosperity.
According to the Prime Minister, 29.1 million citizens have participated in the tree-planting campaign, covering a total area of 318.4 hectares, with geospatial information recorded. He also noted that information about additional saplings planted outside of the registered areas will be continuously disclosed.
It is known that in 2023, a record 566 million saplings were planted overnight. That remarkable achievement is a testament to the unity, determination, and environmental stewardship of the Ethiopian people, setting a new global benchmark for large-scale afforestation initiatives.
Throughout the annual, nationwide seedling transplantation campaigns that took place since 2019, the people of Ethiopia have been actively participating in the afforestation efforts that were able to plant billions of seedlings. In all the annual transplantation seasons, people have been maneuvered to hit the record number of seedling transplantations per day for the year, all of which proved successful.
Setting the record number of seedlings that should be planted in one of the days of the seasons were pivotal in setting the pace in which the transplantation should progress to surpass the rate of the deforestation that has been depleting the country’s forest coverage for decades.
The transplantation is carried out under the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI). GLI is an ambitious feat aimed at planting more seedlings of diverse varieties, which is directly important in raising forest coverage. As an indirect outcome, the initiative has significance in reconciling the beneficial biological interactions between nature and human actions, among others.
In Ethiopia After 2011, this program seeks to address critical environmental issues such as land degradation, soil erosion, and soil acidity while simultaneously preventing the silting of dams. Since being conceived as a response to global climate change, the program has evolved to provide multiple benefits for both Ethiopia and the world.
Ethiopia is facing significant environmental challenges. Some research shows that the country loses approximately 1.9 billion metric tons of fertile soil each year, which hinders its agricultural productivity and threatens food security. This degradation not only impacts crop production but also affects the health of water bodies, contributing to the silting of dams. The GLI emerged with the intention of halting this downward spiral, aiming to restore the land while simultaneously enhancing the country’s fruit exports and creating job opportunities for its youth.
From its inception, the initiative aimed to plant 50 billion saplings between 2019 and 2026. Up to 2023, an impressive 32.5 billion saplings had already been planted, with the majority aimed at bolstering food security for the population. This ambitious goal reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable development.
In the past six years, the program has shown tangible results. Dry water bodies have begun to recover, with increased water availability and improved soil moisture levels leading to enhanced agricultural productivity.
Fanose Mekonnen, Executive Director of Natural Resource Development, Conservation, and Utilization at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the program’s multifaceted benefits: it addresses soil acidity, combats the silting of dams, and restores water resources.
The initiative has not only transformed the landscape but has also fostered a profound shift in societal attitudes towards safeguarding their environment. As communities have embraced the culture of planting and caring for saplings, participation rates have risen. From 2019 to 2022, the approval rate for the program was 80%, which has since increased to 84%. This growing acceptance reflects a deeper understanding of the significance of environmental stewardship among the populace, he noted.
The benefits of the program extend beyond immediate environmental concerns. By reducing soil pollution, increasing agricultural productivity, and enhancing water conservation efforts, the program is helping to create a more sustainable future for Ethiopia. The initiative also facilitates the cultivation of plants used for industrial inputs, thereby supporting local industries and reducing reliance on external resources.
It has played a pivotal role in improving food security by increasing agricultural production and productivity. The program’s focus on planting food-producing trees and promoting sustainable farming practices has ensured a more reliable food supply for the Ethiopian population. Also, the program has spurred the growth of Ethiopia’s fruit export sector, creating new markets and generating valuable foreign exchange.
He stated that the program has created numerous job opportunities for unemployed youth, particularly in the areas of nursery management, tree planting, and sustainable agriculture. This has contributed to economic empowerment and social development.
He mentioned that, in addition to planting initiatives, the program has created over 115,000 nurseries and organized more than 5,000 associations focused on watershed management. These associations engage in activities such as beekeeping and animal fattening, which provide alternative livelihoods and contribute to food security.
In 2024 alone, the country prepared to plant 7.5 billion saplings, with 6.8 billion already planted by mid-August. He mentioned that since the initiative was unveiled, the country has been planting around 40 billion plants. This implies that the ambitious goal of reaching 50 billion saplings by 2026 appears increasingly attainable, reflecting Ethiopia’s dedication to sustainable development.
The program’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its approach to land use, ensuring that 56% of the saplings planted are aimed at soil and water conservation, he said.
In his part, Esmelealem Mihretu, Director of Natural Resource Development, Conservation, and Utilization at the Amhara Regional Agriculture Bureau, emphasized the program’s role in expanding access to foreign markets for Ethiopian fruit products. By preventing climate change and enhancing productivity, the Green Legacy Program plays a pivotal role in integrating Ethiopia into the global economy.
The program compresses a holistic approach to environmental management, balancing the needs of the human population with the preservation of natural resources. It also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility and community engagement, he said.
He stated that the program’s ongoing efforts to plant billions of saplings each year, coupled with its focus on sustainable land management practices, will ensure that its positive impact continues to reverberate for generations to come.
The program’s impact extends beyond reforestation; he said that this initiative helps to reduce soil pollution, improve water conservation, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The program also aims to provide raw materials for industries and construction services, contributing to economic diversification.
“The Green Legacy Initiative is improving the food system in society,” he explained. “It is improving soil fertility, treating acidity, and increasing forest cover. Farmers are benefiting from increased animal fattening and beekeeping opportunities, contributing to their livelihoods.”
Furthermore, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy program serves as a compelling model for other countries facing similar environmental challenges. It showcases the potential of nature-based solutions to address climate change, land degradation, and food security.
The program’s success is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives, government support, and a shared commitment to a greener future. As the world grapples with the complexities of climate change, Ethiopian green strategies offer a beacon of hope and a blueprint for sustainable development.
Moreover, the program has not only transformed Ethiopia’s landscape but has also ignited a spark of hope for a greener future, not just for Ethiopia but for the entire world. It stands as a testament to the power of human ingenuity, collective action, and a deep respect for the interconnectedness of nature and human well-being.
As the program continues to grow and adapt, it stands as a testament to the potential for positive change when society, government, and nature work in harmony. The path forward is clear; through sustained commitment and innovative practices, Ethiopia can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 25 AUGUST 2024
