Addis ababa: Government Communication Service Minister, Enatalem Meles, announced that more than 578.6 million seedlings have been planted so far in the ongoing one-day Green Legacy tree planting campaign.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Minister stated that 18.6 million Ethiopians participated in the nationwide tree planting campaign. As a result, 578.6 million seedlings have been planted until now, covering an area of 209.7 thousand hectares. The Minister explained that this performance represents the achievement of 72 percent of the target set for the day.
Implementing such planned programs in a vast country with a large population like Ethiopia yields sustainable economic, social, and political benefits, Enatalem noted. In particular, she mentioned that the tree-planting initiative strengthens the country's energy supply by preventing hydroelectric dams from silting up and ensuring reliable water availability.
The Minister further highlighted its significant role in ensuring food security by conserving groundwater and boosting productivity in dry-season irrigation and wheat farming. She explained that this enables the country to participate in the international carbon market and build a robust green economy resilient to climate change.
Enatalem stated that the subsequent implementation phase would yield results demonstrating the unbreakable unity and concerted action of the Ethiopian people.