Ethiopia has faced extensive deforestation over the years, which has resulted in biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters like droughts and floods. Taking this instance into account, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative on May 26, 2019. The initiative was born out of recognition of the significant environmental challenges facing Ethiopia, including soil erosion, climate change, and deforestation.
In response to these issues, the Ethiopian government decided to take action, initiating the Green Legacy Initiative, a countrywide reforestation initiative. The first phase of the green legacy program ran from 2019 to 2022. The objective of planting 4 billion trees was set to solve the country’s critical reforestation needs and rehabilitate degraded areas. The project sought to not only alleviate the effects of deforestation and climate change but also to promote sustainable development and enhance the livelihoods of people who rely on forest resources.
Following the completion and evaluation of the first phase, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed(PhD) started the second phase of the Green Legacy Initiative in the Afar area in June 2023, with the theme “Let’s Plant the Future Today.” According to the Prime, planting trees is in harmony with nature since it provides food, and beauty, and helps to mitigate the effects of climate change. “If we want to leave anything good for the following generation, one of the simplest things is to plant our future now. If we have trees for our children in every field and mountain, they will provide food and medicine while also deterring the world’s growing menace of climate change.”
According to him, during the second phase of the green legacy, 25 billion tree seedlings are planned to be planted. When combined with the 25 billion seedlings planted in the first phase, Ethiopia becomes the first country to develop forests by planting 50 billion saplings. He also emphasized that the Green Legacy initiative prioritizes quality over quantity. The Prime Minister went on to say that the program will prioritize indigenous seedlings that can endure the effects of climate change and have superior food and medical applications.
He also stated that combined forestry is part of Ethiopia’s attempts to become food self-sufficient and that indigenous trees as well as edible fruit trees such as apples would be planted. The second phase of the Green Legacy Program will plant 60 percent mixed plantation seedlings, 35 percent forest seedlings, and 5 percent urban beauty seedlings.
Because of this, the Green Legacy Initiative soon gained acceptance and support from a range of societal groups, including corporations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and so on. Millions of Ethiopians were inspired to take part in tree-planting events by the campaign, which had as its main goal educating and inspiring young people about the value of environmental preservation.
Furthermore, from its inception, the Initiative has symbolized Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change. The effort has attracted international attention and support, with other governments showing interest in replicating similar projects to battle deforestation and encourage reforestation throughout the globe.
In 2022, for example, Alhaji Fall, who represented Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), said that the initiative was a first step toward a better future for Ethiopia. Hence, he commended Ethiopia for setting the standard in the fight against climate change and for promoting community resilience while announcing the UNDP’s commitment to share Ethiopia’s experiences with around ten other nations and make the Green Legacy Initiative Pan-African.
In addition to neighboring countries that support and share the goals of the Ethiopian Green Legacy effort, a few other European countries have begun to see the initiative’s benefits. They agreed with the initiative’s aim and acknowledged the importance of the “green legacy” program.
Portuguese Foreign Minister João Gomes Cravinho said Ethiopia should serve as a model for other nations to follow in its Green Legacy Initiative. “The initiative that Ethiopia is taking on could be very interesting for us to be able to replicate the model so that other countries could learn from Ethiopia’s experience.”
Recall that Ethiopia, through Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s initiative has planted over 32.5 billion tree seedlings since 2019. According to him, renewable energy and public administration in digital transition are among the potential areas where the two countries can cooperate. “We have already been strengthening our embassy here in Addis Ababa. We would like to have an Ethiopian embassy in Lisbon. Not only in the fields of the economy but also in cultural exchange language, and tourism. We have a lot of growth ahead.”
Ethiopia, under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s initiative, has planted over 32.5 billion tree seedlings since 2019. He cites renewable energy and public administration in the digital transformation as possible areas for collaboration between the two countries. Not just in the economic sector, but also in cultural interaction, language learning, and tourism. We have a lot of room to expand”, he added.
Dan Jorgensen, Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, noted that his country is very interested in working with Ethiopia to mitigate climate change. He also highlighted his country’s willingness to help Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative. Ethiopian practical efforts to prevent climate change show that billions of seedlings have been planted in Ethiopia during the previous four years as part of the National Green Legacy Initiative. The government is unwaveringly committed to achieving the world’s goal of a carbon-free planet.
The Czech Republic Ambassador to Ethiopia Ambassador Miroslav Kosek once said that climate change is a global issue that affects people everywhere. Climate change is no longer a distant danger; it is a reality that is already affecting the lives of millions.
As a result, Ethiopia has been attempting to mitigate the consequences of climate change and create a more resilient ecosystem. One of the most notable accomplishments to date in this area is the Green Legacy Initiative, which has resulted in the planting of billions of tree seedlings around the country. Hence, the Czech Republic reiterated its commitment to supporting Ethiopia in its efforts to improve climate resilience.
In general, since its inception, the Green Legacy Initiative has been a symbol of Ethiopia’s commitment to combat the negative effects of climate change. The movement has received international notice and support, with other governments interested in replicating similar projects to battle deforestation and encourage reforestation throughout the world. Therefore, the Ethiopian government should be supported since it is aiming to attain the lofty goal of planting 50 billion trees as part of its efforts to create a greener and more resilient future for the country and the globe as a whole.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 25 FEBRUARY 2024
