Addis ababa: As climate change intensifies globally, Ethiopia is setting an example by aligning economic growth with environmental protection through its Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), launched in 2019. This initiative has rapidly evolved from a tree-planting campaign into one of the world's largest ecological restoration efforts, integrating afforestation, watershed rehabilitation, and biodiversity conservation into a comprehensive development strategy.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the initiative has led to the planting of nearly 50 billion tree seedlings between 2019 and 2025, with plans to plant an additional 8 billion by 2026. This ambitious effort not only focuses on quantity but also emphasizes quality, with improved species selection and enhanced community engagement contributing to higher seedling survival rates. The GLI aligns with global climate strategies, including the Paris Agreement, positioning Ethiopia as a leader in climate action.Ethiopia's rich biodiversity, including more than 6, 500 species of flowering plants and iconic wildlife, is supported by its major river basins. However, rapid population growth and environmental challenges have led to significant land degradation. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes that land degradation remains a critical issue, affecting millions of hectares of productive land.Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's vision extends beyond afforestation, adopting an integrated landscape restoration model. The initiative promotes agroforestry, enabling farmers to integrate trees with crops and livestock, which improves soil fertility and resilience against droughts. Through nationwide participation, the GLI has become a shared civic responsibility, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards and creating employment opportunities in forest management and conservation.The initiative strengthens climate resilience by improving local rainfall patterns, stabilizing soils, and reducing flood risks. It also contributes to Sustainable Development Goals, enhancing Ethiopia's ecotourism potential and preserving valuable landscapes. International recognition of the GLI highlights Ethiopia's success in combining political leadership, scientific planning, and public participation to achieve large-scale ecological restoration.Despite ongoing challenges, such as protecting restored forests and adapting to climate change, the Green Legacy Initiative demonstrates the economic and environmental benefits of large-scale restoration. As countries seek solutions to climate challenges, Ethiopia's GLI offers a powerful example of how environmental restoration can drive sustainable development and economic resilience.
Monday, June 29, 2026