Ethiopia vows to restore 22 mln ha of land by 2030

ADDIS ABABA– Ethiopia is ramping up its efforts to combat climate change and contribute to the green economy on a global scale, according to the Ethiopian Forestry Development agency.

The agency’s commitment is said to reflect the country’s pledge to restore 22 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

“The Green Legacy Initiative exemplifies Ethiopia’s dedication to addressing climate change,” remarked Aberu Tana, Executive Director of Green Legacy and Artificial Forest at the Ethiopian

Forest Development Agency, in an interview with EBC Cyber. “The program not only fosters community engagement but also enhances Ethiopia’s image on the international stage.”

Aberu highlighted that past initiatives lacked the follow-through seen in the current program, which is driven by a strong governmental commitment. Ethiopia made a pledge at the Bonn Challenge and the New York Declaration Forum to restore 22 million hectares of damaged land by 2030.

“The Green Legacy program is a key component of that effort,” the director explained. “We’ve observed significant progress in our restoration efforts since 2011.”

Ethiopia’s initiative is inspiring neighboring nations, with Kenya cited as a prime example. Aberu emphasized that while Ethiopia’s contribution to global air pollution is minimal, its environmental restoration efforts are substantial.

“Ethiopia’s dedication to environmental regeneration, increased participation in the green economy, and restoration of degraded lands strengthens its position within the international community.” “This paves the way for countries with a significant air pollution footprint to fulfill their responsibility for remediation,” Aberu remarked.

BY TEWORDOS KASSA

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 2 JULY 2024

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