By Yordanos D. Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) — Independent, peer reviewed scientific research published in leading international journals, including Nature Scientific Reports, Elsevier, and Springer, has validated the effectiveness of Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) in restoring degraded ecosystems, mitigating climate change, strengthening agricultural productivity, and improving rural livelihoods. The studies conclude that the initiative has achieved an estimated seedling survival rate of about 80 percent through scientific forestry practices and strong community stewardship. Research also shows that forest cover in some areas increased from 27.64 percent to 38.24 percent within six years, while local land surface temperatures declined by as much as 1.16 degrees Celsius, creating more favorable conditions for agriculture and enhancing climate resilience. Further studies employing artificial intelligence and geospatial analysis project continued forest expansion through 2035. Researchers also identify Ethiopia's exceptional level of voluntary public participation, described as climate patriotism, as one of the principal drivers behind the initiative's success. Collectively, these findings recognize the GLI as a scientifically validated model for large scale ecosystem restoration and sustainable development.   Since its launch in May 2019, the GLI has evolved from an ambitious nationwide tree planting campaign into one of Africa's most comprehensive environmental restoration and green development programs. Introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the initiative was designed to reverse decades of deforestation, land degradation, biodiversity loss, declining agricultural productivity, and growing vulnerability to climate change. Launching the 2026 Green Legacy one day tree planting campaign, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called upon Ethiopians to plant 800 million tree seedlings across the country. Participating in the campaign at the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence University in Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister described the initiative as far more than an environmental exercise, characterizing it as an investment in the country's future. Reflecting on Ethiopia's longstanding tradition of rainy season tree planting, he said trees symbolize hope, renewal, and collective responsibility. He stressed that the Green Legacy Initiative demonstrates what a united nation can accomplish through shared commitment and collective action. "We are planting Ethiopia. We are planting hope to give our children a better tomorrow," the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that the trees planted today will continue to benefit future generations by supporting environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and climate resilience. Over seven consecutive rainy seasons, the initiative has expanded well beyond increasing forest cover. It has developed into a comprehensive national strategy that integrates ecosystem restoration with agricultural transformation, food security, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, watershed rehabilitation, livelihood improvement, and green economic development.   The initiative was introduced at a time when Ethiopia faced severe environmental degradation. Decades of deforestation had accelerated soil erosion, reduced soil fertility, depleted water resources, and weakened agricultural productivity. Given that agriculture remains the backbone of Ethiopia's economy and the primary source of livelihood for the majority of the population, restoring degraded landscapes became essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for strengthening rural incomes and ensuring long term food security. The first Green Legacy campaign, conducted during the 2019 rainy season, targeted the planting of four billion seedlings. Ethiopia exceeded that goal by planting approximately 4.7 billion seedlings. The campaign attracted worldwide attention after more than 350 million seedlings were planted in a single day, demonstrating an unprecedented level of nationwide mobilization. Government institutions, schools, universities, farmers, youth groups, religious organizations, private businesses, civil society organizations, and members of the Ethiopian diaspora all participated, making environmental restoration a shared national responsibility. Building on that momentum, Ethiopia expanded the campaign in 2020 despite the challenges created by the COVID 19 pandemic. The annual target increased to five billion seedlings, while approximately 5.9 billion were planted. Greater emphasis was placed on multipurpose tree species, including fruit trees, coffee seedlings, fodder crops, indigenous species, and fuelwood trees that simultaneously restore ecosystems and generate sustainable economic returns for rural households. The upward trajectory continued in 2021 when Ethiopia planted approximately 6.8 billion seedlings against a target of six billion.   During this period, the initiative became increasingly integrated with watershed rehabilitation, soil and water conservation, agroforestry, and climate smart agriculture. Indigenous tree species were promoted for their capacity to restore soil fertility, reduce erosion, improve groundwater recharge, and create favorable microclimates that support crop production, particularly in degraded highland and semi arid areas. In 2022, Ethiopia again exceeded its annual target by planting approximately 7.2 billion seedlings. Restoration efforts increasingly focused on degraded watersheds, river basins, hillsides, and communal grazing lands. Scientific evidence indicates that restoring vegetation cover improves rainwater infiltration, reduces soil erosion, enhances soil moisture retention, and strengthens watershed functions. These improvements directly contribute to higher crop yields, more reliable water supplies, and greater resilience to recurring droughts. Agroforestry systems established under the initiative also provide shade for coffee production, enrich soil organic matter, reduce wind erosion, and diversify farm outputs through fruits, timber, fodder, and fuelwood. The 2023 Green Legacy campaign further reinforced the initiative's developmental impact. Ethiopia planted more than 7.5 billion seedlings, surpassing its target of 6.5 billion. Greater emphasis was placed on integrating environmental restoration with livelihood diversification. Farmers expanded the cultivation of fruit trees, coffee seedlings, forage species, and indigenous multipurpose trees that generate both ecological and economic value. These interventions increased household incomes, improved livestock feed availability, expanded fruit production, and reduced dependence on natural forests for fuelwood and construction materials, making the initiative an important catalyst for rural economic transformation. The 2024 rainy season marked another significant milestone as Ethiopia planted approximately 7.5 billion seedlings, pushing the cumulative total beyond 40 billion since the initiative's inception. Restoration activities expanded to degraded agricultural landscapes, wetlands, river catchments, and urban green spaces.   These efforts have helped stabilize soils, reduce flooding, improve water quality, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen ecosystem services that directly support agricultural production. During the 2025 campaign, Ethiopia entered a new phase by preparing more than 8.4 billion seedlings and planting approximately eight billion across the country. Greater emphasis was placed on coffee seedlings, fruit trees, fodder species, indigenous trees, and agroforestry systems that simultaneously enhance environmental sustainability and improve rural livelihoods. Ethiopia also strengthened international cooperation by sharing its experience with neighboring countries, reinforcing its position as a continental leader in landscape restoration. One of the initiative's most significant achievements has been its contribution to agricultural transformation. Scientific studies increasingly demonstrate that landscape restoration strengthens the ecological foundation of agriculture. Reforestation reduces soil erosion, restores soil fertility, increases organic matter, conserves soil moisture, moderates local temperatures, and improves habitats for pollinators. Agroforestry systems promoted under the initiative increase crop productivity while supplying fruits, coffee, fodder, timber, fuelwood, medicinal plants, and honey. These integrated farming systems diversify household incomes, reduce farmers' vulnerability to climate related shocks, and enhance the resilience of rural communities. Researchers have also identified Green Legacy agroforestry landscapes as having exceptionally high carbon storage while remaining productive agricultural systems. The initiative has likewise generated substantial socioeconomic benefits. Millions of Ethiopians participate annually in seedling production, nursery management, transportation, planting, maintenance, and watershed rehabilitation. Community nurseries, youth cooperatives, and women led enterprises have created employment opportunities while improving access to quality seedlings. Multipurpose tree species provide marketable products, including fruits, coffee, timber, fuelwood, livestock feed, and other non-timber forest products that strengthen household incomes and improve food security. Development partners increasingly recognize the initiative as an effective ecosystem based adaptation strategy that strengthens the resilience of smallholder farmers, restores degraded watersheds, and enables vulnerable communities to better withstand climate related shocks. Scientific research has also identified lessons that can strengthen future implementation. Recent field studies report seedling survival rates of approximately 80 percent where suitable species are matched with local ecological conditions, planting is synchronized with seasonal rainfall, and communities receive adequate technical support. Researchers therefore recommend strengthening post planting management, monitoring systems, community ownership, and species selection to maximize long term environmental, economic, and social benefits.   Today, the Green Legacy Initiative represents far more than an annual tree planting campaign. It has evolved into a long term national development strategy that integrates environmental restoration with agricultural transformation, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, watershed rehabilitation, food security, employment creation, and sustainable livelihoods. The steady increase in annual planting, from 4.7 billion seedlings in 2019 to approximately eight billion seedlings in recent campaigns, reflects Ethiopia's growing capacity for large scale landscape restoration and its long-term commitment to building a greener, more productive, and climate resilient economy. While continued attention to seedling survival, ecological suitability, and post planting management remains essential, the expanding body of scientific evidence demonstrates that the Green Legacy Initiative is delivering measurable environmental, agricultural, and socioeconomic benefits that extend well beyond each planting season.

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia has planted 805.3 million tree seedlings today. In his message at the conclusion of the campaign aimed at planting 800 million seedlings in a day, the PM said over 26.2 million Ethiopians turned out to participate in the nationwide tree planting campaign. He noted that most of the activity took place withstanding the difficult challenge of planting tree seedlings the whole day in the rains. The premier added that over 6.5 billion seedlings have been planted this Ethiopian year alone, and the remaining 1.5 billion will be planted in the coming months. This year’s campaign is being carried out under the theme “Let Us Plant Hope”, reflecting the country’s vision of transforming environmental restoration into a shared national responsibility. Over the past seven years, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has achieved a historic milestone, with more than 48 billion seedlings planted nationwide. Launched in 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy, the Green Legacy Initiative has become a flagship environmental movement focused on restoring degraded landscapes, expanding forest coverage, and strengthening the country's response to climate change. The initiative also reflects Ethiopia's firm commitment to meeting its national, continental, and global climate objectives. The impact of Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative extends beyond national boundaries, positioning the country as an active contributor to regional and global efforts aimed at addressing climate change. The approach highlights the value of combining government leadership with citizen engagement to implement climate actions that create long-term environmental and social benefits.

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Ministers joined millions of citizens across the country today in the 2026 Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) nationwide one day tree planting campaign, reaffirming the government's commitment to environmental restoration, climate resilience, food security, and sustainable economic development. Ministers of Finance, Agriculture, Water and Energy, Planning and Development, and Trade and Regional Integration led tree planting activities in different parts of the country as Ethiopia plans to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said the nationwide campaign reflects Ethiopia's determination to combine environmental protection with national development. He noted that the effort to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day demonstrates the collective commitment of Ethiopians to nation building, adding that environmental conservation remains a key pillar of the country's Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda. Agriculture Minister Addisu Arega said the Green Legacy Initiative, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed seven years ago, has grown into one of Ethiopia's largest national development movements.   He said the initiative has contributed not only to environmental restoration but also to economic growth, food security, and job creation. According to the minister, Ethiopia's forest cover has increased from 17.2 percent to 23.6 percent since the launch of the initiative. He added that soil erosion has declined from 130 tons to 54 tons per hectare in areas covered by Green Legacy interventions, while degraded watersheds and dried water bodies have shown significant recovery. The minister also noted that expanded tree planting and agroforestry programs have enabled products such as avocados to enter international export markets. "The GLI is a significant national endeavor with remarkable results," Addisu said. "It has now evolved into a shared culture and a massive national movement embraced by all Ethiopians." Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said the initiative focuses on ensuring lasting environmental protection rather than simply increasing the number of trees planted. "Our objective is not just to plant many seedlings, but to plant them in meaningful places to protect our water resources and preserve them for generations," he said. The minister stated that the campaign supports watershed rehabilitation, protection of water sources, reduction of soil erosion, and sustainable management of natural resources. He added that the ministry is implementing a Smart Village project in Ada'a Woreda that integrates water resource development, renewable energy, and environmental conservation to restore degraded landscapes while improving rural livelihoods. Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa described the Green Legacy Initiative as one of Ethiopia's most transformative national programs.   She said the initiative strengthens water and soil conservation, enhances resilience to climate change, protects dams from siltation, supports sustainable energy generation, and reinforces national food security. Fitsum noted that export products such as avocados are already generating foreign exchange earnings while creating employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain. She also said the initiative has earned Ethiopia international recognition and fostered a national spirit of collective action that serves as an example for Africa and beyond. Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe described the Green Legacy Initiative as a key pillar of Ethiopia's prosperity agenda.   "The GLI goes beyond restoring degraded landscapes with forests; it lays the foundation for a prosperous future that benefits coming generations," he said. Officials and staff of the ministry planted coffee, fruit, and other multipurpose tree seedlings during the campaign. "Seedlings planted under Green Legacy are becoming productive assets capable of generating wealth," Kassahun said, adding that tree planting has increasingly become part of Ethiopia's social culture.

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) — The Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is more than an environmental campaign rather it is a symbolic national undertaking that reflects national efforts to build broad national consensus, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), Prof. Mesfin Araya, said. Speaking during the 2026 nationwide Green Legacy a single day tree planting campaign, Prof. Mesfin said the initiative demonstrates the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in advancing the country's development while strengthening unity among Ethiopians. The Chief Commissioner, together with participants in the National Dialogue, joined the campaign by planting tree seedlings. Prof. Mesfin said fostering consensus through dialogue provides a strong foundation for a democratic system. For the first time in Ethiopia's history, the national dialogue process has created an inclusive platform where all segments of society, including persons with disabilities, women, pastoralists, and farmers, are represented in discussions, he noted. "The entire process is about fostering dialogue and building consensus," he said, adding that "through dialogue, we are planting the ideas that will grow into national consensus." The Chief Commissioner also stressed that the dialogue process is nurturing a culture of listening, expressing confidence that it will serve as an important stepping stone toward strengthening democracy in Ethiopia. He further noted that the dialogue process, like tree planting, carries deep symbolic significance by encouraging people to lay down arms, embrace dialogue, promote peace and development, and strengthen unity in diversity. Prof. Mesfin also described the occasion as a historic day for Ethiopia, noting that the 4,000 national dialogue deliberators planted seedlings on behalf of the country's more than 130 million citizens.