Addis ababa: Speakers of Ethiopia's two federal houses have commended the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) for advancing sustainable economic growth and reinforcing national unity across ethnic, religious, and political divides.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, during a nationwide campaign to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day, Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives, Tagesse Chafo, highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative as a cornerstone of Ethiopia's environmental restoration, agricultural transformation, and long-term development. Tagesse remarked that the initiative, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed seven years ago, has evolved into a comprehensive national development strategy, transcending a seasonal tree planting campaign.
Tagesse noted that the initiative has significantly contributed to expanding forest cover, enhancing agricultural productivity, and inspiring citizens across the nation to take collective responsibility for environmental protection. He emphasized the strong public participation that has been vital to sustaining the campaign, asserting that "The GLI belongs to the people."
Speaker of the House of Federation, Agegnehu Teshager, echoed these sentiments, describing the initiative as a national movement that unites Ethiopians regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences. He stated that the Green Legacy is a shared duty that connects the current generation with future ones through environmental preservation. Agegnehu highlighted the initiative's international recognition as a model for community-based climate action and environmental stewardship.
Agegnehu further emphasized the importance of not only planting seedlings but also ensuring their survival through proper care and protection. He noted that the success of the campaign depends on transforming planted saplings into forest cover to achieve environmental protection and climate resilience goals.
Both speakers underscored that the GLI embodies the spirit of Medemer by fostering unity, shared responsibility, and collective action toward a common national goal. They called on citizens to continue nurturing the trees they plant, as the campaign underscores Ethiopia's commitment to ecological restoration, climate resilience, sustainable development, and building a greener future for generations to come.