BY LEULSEGED WORKU
There is no question about the climate change that the world is experiencing these days. Because of the emission of carbon dioxide emissions and other factors, planet earth is suffering from climate change. There is no single country which is safe from such a disaster. Both developing and developed nations are suffering from environmental challenges equally. By taking this challenge as a serious issue some countries are taking actions while others are turning their ears deaf on the fact. Ethiopia is among those countries that took the issue seriously and started the “Green Legacy.” As part of this plan billions of tree seedlings are being planted all over the nation.
Starting from the time the country launched the “Green Legacy Initiative” millions tree seedlings are planted all over the nation. This Green Legacy Initiative, which is now found in its fourth round, has kept its momentum. Several sources are indicating that for this rainy season, billions of seedlings are prepared and several regional states and their people have risen together to respond to the call of Green Legacy. For instance, yesterday alone, the Oromia regional state planted millions of tree seedlings.
Launching the planting of four million tree seedlings in a single day, Oromia regional State President, Shimelis Abdisa, said that Oromo people have an age-old culture of protecting and preserving natural resources. This culture is still intact among the new generation. According to him, the people of Oromia have kept their promise of preserving the natural resource and protecting soil erosion through planting trees and preserving the forest. While planting tree seedlings the new generation will preserve the culture of its forefathers.
Shimelis said, hand in hand preserving the soil wellgings’s and planting trees, the government has also given special attention to improve production and productivity of agriculture.
In his message, the President has call the people to show unreserved effort in preserving the forest, planting new tree seedlings and breaking the record of previous year’s performance in tree planting.
On his part, Agriculture Minister, Umer Husien, said that due to the previous year’s Green Legacy activities the farmers have become beneficiaries. Seconding the view of the Agriculture Minister, Oromia Agriculture Bureau Head, Abera Worku, said that there is a plan to plant more than 4.35 billion tree seedlings in the region. So far, more than 2.3 billion tree seedlings are planted. According to him, starting from last year more than 4 billion seedlings were planted in the region.
In related news, Amhara regional state has planted more than 28 million tree seedlings in Eastern Gojam Zone selected places.
While planting tree seedlings, Zonal Agriculture Bureau Head, Fantahun Chekol said that so far, the community has planted more than 28, 862, 280 seedlings within a single day.
According to Fantahun, the Zonal administration has prepared about 277 million tree seedlings for this rainy season and more than 40 million tree seedlings are planted. Due to such action an estimate of 25,000 hectare land will be covered.
Speaking at the event, Debere Markos University, Agriculture and Natural Resource College, Dean, Mulatu Tasbe (PhD) noted that while planting seedlings, the community should also be aware of the value of protecting seedlings. Without proper care the expected result cannot be realized.
East Gojam Zone Administration Head, Abrham Ayalew, on his part said, “While planting tree seedlings the community should also be aware of the value of peace. As we plant trees, we also sow love, tolerance and unity in our heart. The tree seedlings which we are planting today are national treasures and our social image. In this regard, we all need to work hand and gloves.”
Ethiopia as a nation has achieved numerous gains through the Green Legacy initiative and millions participate in planting every year, the proliferation of nursery sites throughout the country has enabled job creation for various sections of society.
Over 183 thousand permanent and temporary jobs have been created as a direct outcome of our greening endeavors. In addition, an annually improving survival rate of around 80% is contributing to the creation of new forests, it was learned.
Some 7.2 billion seedlings of which 52% account for agroforestry trees, 47% forestry trees and the remaining ornamental trees have been prepared for the fourth year Green Legacy program of 2022.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 19 JULY 2022
