A Historic Day of Green Legacy in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has once again made history with a groundbreaking one-day national tree planting campaign, during which over 714 million seedlings were planted as part of the Green Legacy Initiative. This remarkable event has drawn widespread attention from global and regional media outlets, highlighting its significance in addressing climate change and environmental degradation.
The Green Legacy Initiative is an ambitious conservation effort aimed at planting 50 billion trees by 2026. International media organizations, including The Washington Post, The Independent, Associated Press, Sputnik, Anadolu Agency, Star Tribune, LAS Vegas Sun, Africanews, and others, have extensively covered this initiative, emphasizing its role in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Public Participation and Community Efforts
The Associated Press (AP) highlighted the active involvement of the general public in the one-day planting initiative. Thousands of public servants, children, and government officials, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, participated in the campaign across the East African country. Residents from Addis Ababa shared their experiences, showcasing the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Almaz Tadu, a 72-year-old grandmother, brought her grandchildren to a tree planting event, expressing how it brings her closer to her neighbors. Nathenael Behailu, a 13-year-old student, shared his dream of seeing a green environment for his country. Ayanaw Asrat, another resident, said he has been participating in the initiative for the last three years, planting 15 seedlings so far. These stories reflect the deep-rooted connection between the people and the environment.
East Leigh Voice, a Kenyan online news outlet, praised the community’s efforts to plant 700 million trees in a single day as part of the Green Legacy Initiative. This initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on climate action and eradicating hunger.
Media Coverage and Global Recognition
Africanews depicted the public mobilization witnessed in the Green Legacy Initiative, highlighting the powerful image of grandmothers and schoolchildren planting side by side. The country’s ambitious tree-planting campaign not only seeks to combat climate change but also to cultivate a legacy of ecological responsibility for future generations.
Business Insider Africa recognized the Green Legacy Initiative as a significant step in Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to address climate change, deforestation, and land degradation. Initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019, the project has evolved into a nationwide movement, with millions of civilians participating annually.
A Vision for a Greener Future
The Weather Channel highlighted the participation of the general public in the campaign, describing it as a powerful show of hope and environmental ambition. The bold reforestation effort serves Ethiopia’s vision of a greener, more sustainable future. Residents came together to plant millions of new trees in a single day, aiming to build a more climate-resilient future one seedling at a time.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally championed the initiative, encouraging citizens to take part in restoring the environment, protecting water sources, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come. His message resonated with many, as residents were seen grabbing shovels and seedlings, ready to contribute to the nationwide push.
Since 2019, Ethiopia has planted over 40 billion seedlings, with the ultimate goal of planting 50 billion trees by next year. With tools in hand and optimism in the air, the nation is proving that even the most ambitious goals can take root when communities come together.
International Acclamation and Regional Impact
Anadolu News Agency reported that the Green Legacy Initiative has drawn international attention for its scale, with diplomats and foreign leaders participating annually. Heads of state and delegates attending the UN Food Systems Summit joined tree-planting events, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Xinhua, China News Agency, emphasized Ethiopia’s momentum in ecological restoration through the Green Legacy Initiative. The initiative, launched in 2019, addresses climate change, environmental degradation, and food security challenges. The government credits the initiative with strengthening food security, particularly through the planting of fruit trees that contribute to household income, nutrition, and community resilience.
The United Nations recognized the initiative’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 2, targeting zero hunger, through the planting of high-value fruit trees that enhance food availability. The initiative also aligns with global climate goals, including SDG 13, which urges urgent climate action.
Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, who joined this year’s tree-planting in Addis Ababa, hailed the initiative as an inclusive, impactful, and visionary model. He urged African countries to follow Ethiopia’s lead, calling it a practical and inspiring response to the climate crisis with wide-ranging benefits for land restoration, agricultural productivity, and job creation.
Experts and policymakers argue that through the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia is demonstrating that large-scale, nationally-led climate action is both achievable and essential for securing a stable future in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
