ADDIS ABABA— Monday, June 29th will now be etched in the hearts and minds of every Ethiopians because it was the day the country initiated a nation-wide tree planting initiative and made a history.
Alemu Assefa from Dessie, Amhara State, believes that if Ethiopia is to develop, then working on its forest resource is mandatory. The sustainability of the country’s mega projects, for instance, is determined on the way it deals on forest, he says. “Thus, the initiative should be not be seasonal, because the country has many backlogs that should be addressed early.”
Over the years, Alemu notes, Ethiopia has lost billions of trees and forest resources that led to the recurrence of famine, drought, flood and animal migration. And the country has focused on planting trees to counter the effects of deforestation and climate change, which in doing so broke the tree-planting record.
“The country planted a total of 353,633,660 tree seedlings in one day; breaking world record, and involving every Ethiopian in the process. I think we should keep on making history because the fate of Ethiopia is in the hands of all of us.”
The feat that was achieved on Monday was incredible, and has caught the attention of the world.
Habte Abeje, also from Dessie, says that it was an amazing success that was achieved, and a great job the country had done in single day. All public office servants along with residents flocked to the prepared areas with bright face and courage to change the future of their country for the better and be part of the event.
“We have no problem planting trees, but our great problem has been conserving what we have planted. So, all of the citizens of the country should pay attention to follow and conserve the seedlings.”
Social Capital
Many are saying that Monday’s tree planting campaign has provided an opportunity to further strengthen social capital and bond within the community.
Degu Kejelu a resident from Addis Ababa, Akaki-Kality Sub-city, explains that the vibe on Monday was impressive, as everyone was cheerful and enthusiastic to participate in this historic campaign. This hints that there is an overtaking of negativity, and coming of together to make history, he adds.
“It was also special because it has given an opportunity people to know each other for it was amazing. I had no idea it could get such turn out but things happened otherwise. Against all odds, my country had made history that proves if we are united we can make a difference. I am proud of being part of this phenomenon.”
Everyone was par taking willingly from all walks of life in this historic day, he continues, all were planting the seedlings willingly in the rain with friends and coworkers.
According to him, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ambitious Green Legacy Initiative has met and gone beyond set goals.
Giving Attention to Conservation
Residents of Addis Ababa who participated on the seedling campaign on Monday stated that attention should be given to conserve the planted seedlings.
Mitiku Tafesse is one of the youths who live around Arat Kilo. Given that these seedlings were planted by huge amount of labor and financial costs, he reiterates that attention should be given to conserve these seedlings.
There has been a problem in maintaining and passing the country to the next generation with its natural resources intact. To reverse this, the national seedling plan of the country is a best plan, Mitiku opines.
According to Farm Africa, an organization working on reforestation efforts in East Africa, less than four percent of Ethiopia’s land is forested, compared to around 30 percent at the end of the 19th century.
“I am very happy to have participated in this seedling program by my own interest because nothing brings me more satisfaction than contributing for a country”.
Girma Abebe, also from Addis Ababa, says that the media should maintain the awareness creation activity, as it would help with keeping the public’s attention on point and the next phase of the process, which is conserving the seedlings planted.
He noted that while there have been tree plantation every summer seasons, this summer seedling program is unique due its magnitude, and accordingly needs huge amount of attention on conservation of the seedling.
Tigist Negash, a resident of Addis, said that the plantation campaign can be considered as rebirth in terms of protecting natural resource, and it reflects how much the country is strong if the people are united for a common purpose like this.
She concluded her remark by appreciating the participation of Ethiopians, including diplomats residing in the city.
Ethiopians have been suffering from the effects of climate crisis, with land degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, and recurrent droughts and flooding exacerbated by poor agricultural products. In 2017, the country joined more than 20 other African nations in pledging to restore 100 million hectares of land as part of the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative.
The Ethiopian Herald July 31/2019
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME & TAMIRU REGASSA
