Some prefer to call it ‘preventive diplomacy’ and it is becoming the catchphrase for environmentalists and green planet activists who are pushing for a real change in terms of curtailing the adverse ramification of global climate change. Yes, preventive diplomacy, more known to the world as green diplomacy, has been a de rigueur and continues to be high in the agenda of various leaders. Yet, it is receiving little action and much of the calls for practical responses have gone unheeded. The world has come to realize that climate change is a reality and its impact is being felt deep in the skin by everyone.
The pressing global issue is now being tabled in almost all meetings and is one of the areas in which disputant countries find themselves on the same page on. For instance, while tensions have been simmering between US and China in some areas, both countries have been exploring ways to jointly work on climate change.
And, unlike other denominations of diplomacy that are mainly driven by give-and-take approaches, green diplomacy has already become a must for the world since all countries live on the same planet and are equally affected by the global problem.
Moreover, it has increasingly become vivid that the nations be it small and big continues to grapple with the worsening environmental problem. In contradiction to the stand of major polluters of the globe, nations including Ethiopia, albeit not immune from the effects of climate change and contributing little to the global issue, have so far received much rhetoric but few actions from the main carbon emitter nations.
Taking note of the extreme natural disasters that are triggered by climate change, the uproar for more intervention is getting laud. The problem has taken a big toll on the planet least to mention the ongoing high heat weave unfolding in Europe and elsewhere. The world continues to live in constant fear of natural disasters, from flooding to drought.
Against the odds, Ethiopia has been a leader in the fight against climate change and a promoter of green projects. The nation has been actively involved in extensive tree-planting programs for many years, setting the example for Africa on international platforms in regard to the global crisis.
The nation allows a sizable sum each year from its coffers for plantation and afforestation. Additionally, the government has already made green initiatives a high priority and an integral part of the economy. The nation has increased its efforts to plant billions of seedlings as part of ongoing green legacy programs over the years.
In actuality, Africa is one of the continents severely affected by the effects of climate change, including drought and other natural disasters. And to address them, nations must have the political will and work together, which Ethiopia has been doing for quite some time. Ethiopians have been planting billions of seedlings over the past four years, exhibiting its excellent climate-resilient endeavor.
The program is a part of the Green Legacy Initiative, which Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) is supporting to meet national environmental green targets and arrest the effects of deforestation and climate change on the nation. Its emblem project is also having a domino effect in East African countries. In 2021, the country had a plan to distribute one billion seedlings to East African countries including Eritrea, Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, and Sudan.
Tree planting has become a norm in the country with participants of various leaders who set foot on the country for meeting leaving their own green legacy by planting seedlings in Ethiopia. The country has also been pushing for green diplomacy taking part in various initiatives. Its practical engagement with the environment could be serving as a hallmark for the rest of the world. Foreign embassies situate here in Addis Ababa have been taking part in the country’s green legacy initiatives. This is a solid testimony that Ethiopia is positioning itself as a champion of environmental protection.
Yesterday, the country launched another round of mass tree planting campaigns in which it planted over 566 mln. seedlings in just 12 hours.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed along with First Lady Zinash Tayachew has planted saplings in Addis Ababa while attending the 500 million trees a day national campaign underwent in all parts of the country.
“Our mass tree planting initiative remains to be unattainable for others while we manage it easily,” the Prime Minister said on the occasion, according to Fana Broadcasting Corporation.
Children, elders, people with disabilities, and women are actively participating in the planting of 500 million trees in 12 hours, the Prime Minister said.
Ethiopians from all walks of life regardless of their age and sex are taking part in the campaign which is part of the Green Legacy Initiative we are implementing to bequeath a better Ethiopia for coming generations, the Prime Minister stated.
The seedlings mainly constitute of horticultural purposes and are vital to address the shortage of fruits in cities, increase productivity and create more jobs in the sector besides enabling the nation to combat the impacts of climate change, according to the Prime Minister.
“We have already begun the campaign early in the morning and it will continue till dusk,” the Premier said. The Prime Minster further called on the general public to actively participate in the mass tree planting and leave their fingerprints on the landmark initiative.
Similarly, members of the diplomatic community resident in Addis Ababa have planted tree seedlings in Addis Ababa while attending the 500 million trees a day campaign began nationwide. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonen presided at the planting session attended by members of the diplomatic community.
Ambassadors and diplomatic corps of various countries including Poland, Belgium, Namibia, and France, among others, have participated in tree planting events that took place at Gullele Botanic Garden where they planted seedlings on specific sites assigned to respective embassies.
Meanwhile, taking part in the country’s Green Legacy Initiative to plant 500 million tree seedlings within a single day China Ambassador to Ethiopia, Zhao Zhiyuan and Embassy’s staff planted tree seedlings within Embassy premises yesterday.
China is committed to sustainable development and to the principle of prioritizing resource conservation and environmental protection and letting nature restore itself, ambassador Zhao, said.
The Green Legacy Initiative proposed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) in 2019 aims at creating a green and climate resilient Ethiopia, he noted.
Appreciating Ethiopia’s pursuit of green and sustainable development, the ambassador said Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative which corresponds to China’s ecological civilization is part of the Chinese path towards modernization. Using the Green Legacy Initiative Ethiopians will combat the effects of climate change, restore degraded landscapes and forests, promote a green culture and ecotourism and improve the livelihood of Ethiopians. He said, Chinese Embassy is proud to be part of this historic moment where Ethiopians will plant 500 million tree seedlings within a single day and break the previous record.
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
The Ethiopian Herald July 18/2023
