
Ethiopia has experienced considerable deforestation over time, resulting in biodiversity loss, ecological degradation, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters like as droughts and floods. Taking this into account, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) on May 26, 2019. The effort was launched in response to Ethiopia’s substantial environmental challenges, including soil erosion, climate change, and deforestation.
The Initiative is a multi-phase reforestation scheme that has been executed across the country. The first phase of the Green Legacy Program ran from 2019 to 2022. The goal of planting 4 billion trees was set to meet the country’s severe reforestation needs and restore degraded areas. The project aimed not only to reduce the effects of deforestation and climate change, but also to promote sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of those who rely on forest resources.
Following the completion and review of the first phase, the second phase of the Green Legacy Initiative was launched in June 2023 under the theme “Let’s Plant the Future Today. According to the Prime Minister, planting trees benefits nature by providing food and beauty while also helping to minimize the consequences of climate change. “One of the simplest things we can do to leave a good legacy for future generations is to plant our future today. If we plant trees for our children in every field and mountain, they will offer food and medicine while also deterring the world’s growing threat of climate change.”
The second phase of the green legacy initiative was initiated with the goal of planting 25 billion tree seedlings. When combined with the 25 billion seedlings planted in the first phase, Ethiopia becomes the first country to establish forests with 50 billion saplings. The phase also emphasizes quality over quantity. Furthermore, the program focuses on indigenous seedlings that can endure the effects of climate change while delivering superior food and medicinal benefits. Thus, the second phase plans to plant 60% mixed plantation seedlings, 35% forest seedlings, and 5% urban beauty seedlings.
More significantly, all segments of society entities, including corporations, NGOs, government organizations, academic institutions, and so on, embraced and supported the Green Legacy Initiative. Every year, millions of Ethiopians participate in tree-planting campaigns and activities, with the primary objective of teaching and motivating youth about the need to protect the environment.
Furthermore, from its inception, the Initiative has signified Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change. The initiative has received international notice and support, with other governments expressing interest in replicating similar projects to combat deforestation and promote reforestation around the world.
Prime Minister Abiy, along with Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, diplomatic dignitaries, and senior government officials, have officially launched this year’s Green Legacy Initiative program, under the theme “Renewal Through Planting,” with an ambitious goal of planting 7.5 billion tree seedlings.
During the launching ceremony, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima stated that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is a realistic response to climate challenges and an inspiring blueprint for reimaging the future.
He added that the promise of the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is the dream of every nation. It is a lesson in vision, in purpose, and audacity. Hence, every nation should adopt Ethiopia’s climate-friendly development approach through its Green Legacy Initiative program as a model for sustainable development.
“For those of us who have followed this program, the numbers are staggering. But the impact is even more compelling, to plant 25 billion seedlings within four years, to establish over 20,000 nurseries and to create hundreds of thousands of green jobs is to show that the future is something we must plant, nurture and build.”
He added that Ethiopia deserves all the applause the world has sent it away and more. “I come here not only to share your joy and to exchange ideas, but to convey the deep and abiding solidarity of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, and the good people of Nigeria. Let we salute every visionary who has made this dream a reality, and we assure you that Nigeria stands with you,” he stated.
He praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for spearheading the successful rollout of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative through strong and effective leadership. “Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stands as a real breed of system, an audacious reformer who didn’t merely inherit the architecture of power, but redrew his blueprint with the ink of courage and conviction,” the Vice President stated.
“The Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is one of the greatest leaders in Africa that we should all look up to as a source of inspiration.” Noting that Africa is not only a land of disasters, the Vice President finally stated that the continent is also a land of promise.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, in his part, highlighted that Ethiopia’s remarkable achievements under the Green Legacy Initiative have united millions of citizens in a collective commitment to environmental sustainability. It has engaged broad public participation, played a pivotal role in national renewal, and is rooted in a forward-looking vision for future generations.
The voluntary efforts of millions of Ethiopians through the Green Legacy Initiative program have showcased the power of synergy, making the program both monumental and distinctive. Hence, the initiative is more than a reforestation effort; it is a people-centered movement driving national development, environmental sustainability, and long-term resilience.
Moreover, the green legacy initiative, beyond environmental protection, has also created significant potential for ensuring food sovereignty in the country. Accordingly, 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.
The Prime Minister also stated that 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 and hard work. In this context, the initiative is an integral part of the nation-building process, being carried out collectively by all citizens without exception. Hence, he called on Ethiopians to actively take part in the program by planting trees in their communities.
The initiative has indeed received significant support both domestically and internationally. Every year, millions of individuals take part in tree-planting activities. The government has also mobilized various institutions and organizations to support the program.
As a result, the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative has had a variety of good outcomes since its start, including reforestation and afforestation. Millions of trees have been planted around Ethiopia as part of the initiative, assisting with reforestation efforts and increasing the country’s forest cover. This may reduce soil erosion, boost water retention, and restore biodiversity, making the Initiative a practical answer to climate change and an inspiring template for envisioning the future.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 2 JULY 2025