It is well remembered that over 45 billion seedlings have been planted nationwide over the past six years under the Green Legacy Initiative inspired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Besides, it is well comprehended that the Green Legacy Initiative has been meaningfully fostering significant improvements in fruit productivity throughout the nation and successfully halting environmental degradation.
Since respective regional sates have made the necessary preparations for the success of this year’s Green Legacy Program, renewing through planting can be made real as some 7.5 billion tree seedlings are planted across the country this rainy season, and the country would bring the aggregate saplings to 47.5 billion.
Yes, not only is the Green Legacy Initiative useful in boosting economic progress and conserving environment in Ethiopia but it is also significantly valuable in the Horn and across the entire continent and even beyond. It would also foster national development strategy where citizens unite to transform Ethiopia through their collective efforts.
Unequivocally, the initiative would play a pivotal role in advancing the country’s economic recovery and environmental sustainability. Hence, planting saplings around Addis Ababa city riverbank, in parks, at the vicinity of boulevards, among others, is a bold and remarkable step to help the nation record economic recovery and sustainable environmental protection.
Yes, the initiative has had dual advantage: viable remedy ecological restoration and a real path for economic growth employed as a transformative legacy for the generations to come. For instance, millions of coffee seedlings planted through the program have contributed to a marked increase in Ethiopia’s coffee exports, leading to higher foreign exchange earnings, and export of fruits such as avocados has also helped generate income and support national development goals.
Even the Initiative has been regarded as a gift to the next generation as it can be an indispensable means to get the economy recovered and the ecology well conserved. True, apart from its economic contributions, the initiative has been fostering a more sustainable and livable environment for all Ethiopians and beyond.
As a result of intensifying the initiative, previously degraded areas within many regions have been restored thanks to the program, and the potential for vegetable and fruit production has been created for both local and international markets. Interestingly, the Green Legacy initiative has successfully fostered change by engaging numerous people across the country and they have developed sense of belongingness.
A according to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) program is an integral part of Ethiopia’s nation state building efforts—promoting unity, inclusivity, and collective action for a better future.
In a nutshell, Ethiopia’s remarkable achievement under the Green Legacy Initiative, which has united millions of citizens in a collective commitment to environmental sustainability, has been bearing fruits. Furthermore, the voluntary efforts of millions of Ethiopians through the Green Legacy Initiative program have exhibited the power of synergy, making the program both monumental and distinctive.
True, the initiative is more than a reforestation effort; it is a people-centered movement driving national development, environmental sustainability, and long-term resilience. Frankly speaking, the program has also created significant potential for ensuring food sovereignty and economic growth in the country beyond environmental protection. , Ethiopia’s experience offers a valuable lesson for Africa, not only in achieving food self-sufficiency but also in becoming a source of support for others.
Ethiopia’s efforts toward food sovereignty and environmental protection have gained international recognition, and such a remarkable effort will be sustainably carried out. Thence, the current generation has a responsibility to transform Ethiopia’s challenging past and build a better nation for future generations, a goal that requires dedication, harmonious way of living and hard work.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 1 JULY 2025
