Ethiopia has planted a staggering 25 billion seedlings in the first phase of the Green Legacy campaign which was launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). It is noted that seedlings of trees, fruits, and cattle feeds were planted during the first phase of the Green Legacy Initiative.
According to a government report, Ethiopia shattered its previous record on July 17, 2023, when over 566 million saplings were planted nationwide in 12 hours under the 2023 National Green Legacy Initiative. Over the initial target of 6.5 billion seedlings for the previous planting season, Ethiopia has planted more than 7.5 billion saplings during the previous green legacy season.
Through the annual mobilization of over 25 million citizens nationwide, 32.5 billion seedlings have been planted in five years as part of the tree-planting program to address food security and reduce the impacts of climate change.
As a direct result of its efforts to halt climate change, the initiative has participated every individual in protecting the environment at the national level, Ethiopia introduced the green legacy concept to the globe during the previous year. This practical application was showcased to the world during the COP28 climate change prevention meeting in Dubai through a pavilion, which encouraged other countries to adopt the approach as well.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said, “Our Green Legacy Initiative represents a proactive response to pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. It reduces carbon emission preserves our bio-diversity, creates jobs and boosts sectors such as tourism.”
The National Green Legacy Program’s implementation has been successful in reducing deforestation and encouraging reforestation, enhancing natural habitats that can combat climate change and the effects of carbon emissions. These habitats are home to numerous plant and animal species and are a major source of biodiversity.
In addition, green infrastructure and sustainable land use practices can mitigate reliance on non-renewable sources of energy, providing oxygen, food, water, clean air, and medication. Also, it’s to create a healthier and more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.
Though Ethiopia’s Green Legacy has received a lot of recognition from different international entities, what is the most important thing is recognizing the initiative as part of the environmental combating of climate change.
African Union Youth Assembly-Ethiopia International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs Director Wechkuoth, suggested on the Ethiopian green legacy initiative “I do see Ethiopia as a country that is taking the lead, showing other countries as an example. It is so impressive; I think other nations should take Ethiopia as an example.”
He said, “What is much more important now is we should always take examples, and we can set the tone for the other generations. Ethiopia has already built a future for the generation that will never be forgettable.”
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu said on his part, in an effort that will help other countries in the East African region in battling climate change, Ethiopia has also been preparing billions of tree saplings. For this reason, it acts as a model for the East African region and other regions as well.
This is a major issue. It has also been shared with other countries. It has a great symbolic significance. He stated, “So this is a big example showing that there is big change by own effort, without expecting support, by mobilizing own resources.”
Research indicates that the Green Legacy has improved the climate in the area, resulting in reduced temperatures as well as increased rainfall. These changes have a big impact on the supply of water across the country and agricultural production.
The reforestation efforts under the Green Legacy initiative have numerous benefits for Ethiopia. They help to restore ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and protect watersheds, which are crucial for water availability and soil fertility. Reforestation also contributes to carbon sequestration.
Those efforts not only benefit Ethiopia but also maintain the whole world. Ethiopian Forest Development Director General Kebede Yimam stated that the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative has the potential to lower the likelihood of drought and floods in East African countries; he stated that Ethiopia’s unique achievements in forest development will maintain regional peace and food security in the region and the horn.
According to Workneh, eight countries in the region are highly affected by climate change-induced consequences. The region is a practical showcase of climate change-induced consequences, including flood and drought, which have been seen over the past few years, he said.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SPECIAL EDITION 31 DECEMBER 2023
