Tomorrow, Ethiopians will move in unison and in an unparalleled manner to hit a new tree-planting record and repeat history. Tomorrow, on June 17, 2023, Ethiopians will plant 500 millions of tree seedlings across the length and breadth of the nation within a 12-hour span, and rewrite history.
In fact, putting differences aside, and joining hands as one to achieve a common goal is not the first experience for Ethiopians. Rather, they have been doing it for centuries in both good and bad times. It is also an instance that Ethiopians are well known in history.
Suffice it to say the construction of the flagship project, the “Abbay Hydroelectric Dam” in this regard. Though some have had different ideologies and opposed the political system, they have never hesitated for a fraction of a second; or shy away from supporting the project as it is an issue of common wealth for Ethiopians.
The same is true concerning the Green Legacy Initiative launched in June 2019 with the aim to reduce the unfavorable effects of climate change and curb environmental degradation through re-greening Ethiopia.
Ethiopians, from all walks of life- from the highest rank leadership to the common people, from supporters to the competitors, from religious leaders to laities, from farmers to investors as well as women, young people and school children – actively participated, irrespective of any differences.
Even ambassadors and the diplomatic community living in the country plus leaders of different countries joining Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, planted tree seedlings in various headquarters including in the premises of their respective centers.
In response, in the last four Ethiopian rainy seasons that were carried out in four rounds, the country has been able to register big achievements. It can plant 25 billion tree seedlings surpassing the target of planting a total of 20 billion seedlings. As it was stated, this was not achieved simply; but through the active participation of all Ethiopians.
In fact, the initiative by itself has greater socioeconomic values for citizens. It helps to create job opportunities, mainly for women and young people, to generate income and improve the living standards of the society aside from rehabilitating degraded lands, improving forest coverage, preserving soil fertility and mitigating droughts and floods. Sensitizing the negative impacts of climate change, ensuring food security through planting edible seedlings, preventing the transmission of diseases that come to happen due to climate related changes and ensuring public health and inculcating the “green culture” within the young people and the generation to come is the other return of the initiative.
As documents stated, for instance, in the first phase of the initiative years that was carried out from June 2019-August 2022, it was possible to mobilize 25 million Ethiopians to plant 25 billion seedlings within four years, creating more than 750,000 jobs mostly for women and youth.
Currently, Ethiopia launched the second phase of the Green Legacy Initiative with the theme “Let’s plant our future today.” And with this initiative, the country set a plan to plant 25 billion seedlings in the next four years.
In this second phase of the Green Legacy Program, 60% of seedlings of combined plantations, 35% of forest seedlings, and five percent of seedlings for urban beauty will be planted.
Following the commencement of the second phase Prime Minister Abiy tweeted: “The public response to the first round Green Legacy planting season was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. In the last 4 years, we aimed for 20 billion and we executed accordingly. This year our target is set at planting 25 billion seedlings. Dreaming big and aiming high is crucial. But continuity is what breeds excellence. It is my wish that everyone is actively engaged with enthusiasm as we cultivate a green culture.”
And out of the total 6.5 billion tree seedlings targeted to plant in this Ethiopian rainy season (from June to September”, tomorrow, 500 million tree seedlings will be planted across the nation in a 12-hour span by mobilizing all Ethiopians except for children, the elderly, weak and sick persons in bed.
The Ministry of Agriculture has also announced the necessary preparation has been made regarding various types of seedlings and land for planting so as to make the plan a success.
“No one should stay at home. Every Ethiopian should participate in the record breaking seedling plantation in a single day. I also call Foreigners living in Ethiopia, embassies, employees of international organizations, and transit passengers to join hands in making history during the day,” Prime Minister Abiy called on to take part in the program, leave their footprint and plant their future today.
Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegne on his part emphasized the incalculable benefits of the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative. Mentioning that Ethiopia is the pioneer country in Africa to craft Climate-Resilient Green growth, he said that the good activities being undertaken and the benefits at home should be extended to African countries through strong advocacy and diplomacy.
“In July 17, regardless of faith and culture, political affiliation, age and gender, education and living standards, we leave before sunrise to dress Ethiopia with green and return to our homes after sunset,” the Premier tweeted.
Certainly, on July 17, 2023, Ethiopians, regardless of religion and culture, gender and age, political stand, or any other differences, will appear in unison and rewrite history through planting 500 million tree seedlings in a single day. As they did it in the beginning year of the initiative (in 2019), by planting over 350 million trees in a single day, they will make a new history by planting 500 million tree seedlings.
BY STAFF REPORTER
The Ethiopian Herald July 16/2023
