ADDIS ABABA – Ambassadors of Israel, Belgium, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sweden applauded Ethiopia’s ecological drive and expressed their keen interests in supporting government’s massive forest restoration that aims to transform the country greener and the economic structure towards green economy.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald in connection with yesterday’s Green Legacy initiative, the ambassadors stated that they need to extend unreserved support for Ethiopia’s reforestation efforts.
Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Raphael Morav said that he is very ‘pleased’ and ‘excited’ to learn about Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s initiative to plant 200 million seedlings within one day.
“Israel is a world leading country in combating desertification that made the desert bloom through an intensive afforestation process started 70 years ago when the new born state was created,” he said, adding that his country is proud of Ethiopia is taking similar path and engaged in huge ecological activities.
Ambassador Morav also extended congratulations to the people and government of Ethiopia on the remarkable achievements in green programs.
Belgian Ambassador to Ethiopia, François Dumont said on his part that the Embassy had taken part in the campaign “Ethiopia’s 4 Billion Trees Planting Initiative” launched by Premier Abiy.
The Ambassador indicated that trees were planted in the Belgian Embassy compound in order to support this “Green Legacy National Green Development Action Program” and to contribute to the “Greenery programs” in Addis Ababa.
“Through this concrete action and for the next generations, our ‘Green’ Embassy wishes to demonstrate its commitment and support to Ethiopian ecological programs and to contribute to the development of the biodiversity in the city.”
“Planting seedlings at the Embassy’s compound is probably a small step,” he said, adding that the move, however, shows the great importance of a global action against climate change, one of the biggest challenges of this time.
Also, UAE Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mohamed Al-Rashedi said that his country appreciates, encourages and supports the smart initiative of PM Abiy on Green Legacy under the National Green Development Action Program.
Ambassador Mohamed stated that planting four billion seedlings of multi-purpose trees would have a role in combating negative effects of climate change and ensuring safe lives of current and future generation. “This initiative indicates the attention of the Ethiopian Government for climate change and environment protection.”
Noting UAE’s appreciation for Ethiopia’s greenery initiative, the Ambassador indicated that his country is ready to share its rich experiences in curtailing climate change and development of renewable energy. In support of the initiative, members of the UAE Embassy in Addis Ababa join hands with their Ethiopian counterparts in planting tree seedlings on Monday 29th July 2019.
In a related development, diplomats and staff of Sweden Embassy planted yesterday 1,200 indigenous trees at Gulele Botanic Garden on one hectare land allocated to the Diplomatic Mission.
Approached by The Ethiopian Herald, Ambassador Torbjorn Pettersson said that the country has consistently engaged in Ethiopia’s reforestation and afforestation schemes and its involvement has remained fruitful in achieving major targets with the active participation of local communities.
According to the Ambassador, Sweden has been funding two greenery programs in Ethiopia that focus on climate smart agriculture, market engagement, improved natural resources management and capacity building of institutions. Building the resilience of vulnerable communities and landscapes as well as supporting the forestry sector’s economic role are also among the priorities of the programs.
It was learnt that over 3,000 hectares of land has been rehabilitated by Sweden during the last two years.
The Ethiopian Herald July 30/2019
BY BILAL DERSO
