Addis Ababa September 6/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment for climate and environment policy and actions across sectors. State Minister of Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonen, met Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP and Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC in the sideline of the 10th Special Session of AMCEN which is being held in Abidjan, Cote DIvoire from 5th to 6th September 2024. The State Minister explained that the innovative action where the Government of Ethiopia has been strategically addressing the issue of climate change and environment by restructuring these issues under the Ministry of Planning and Development According to him, the restructuring works are imperative for a robust mainstreaming of these matters into the National Development Planning process.   Seyoum proudly explained the practical climate actions where the Government and people of Ethiopia undertaking to address the pressing challenges of climate change through Green Legacy where the initiative managed to plant about 32.5 billion seedlings that have both ecological as well as food and fodder trees and grasses. The initiative entertained an incredible achievement of increasing the forest cover of Ethiopia from 17.2 percent in 2017 to 23.6 percent in 2023, it was indicated. The initiative has also improved the food system transformation in Ethiopia through the ‘Bounty of Basket' (Ye Lemat Tirufat ) that focused on promoting food sovereignty as package of the Green Legacy Initiative. “The UNEP office deserved to be strengthened considering Addis Ababa is the seat for the Africa Union and all other diplomatic missions and requested Inger for her leadership in this regard” Seyoum stressed the importance of the UN agencies for the delivery of the national environmental and climate policies and strategies. On her part, Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen praised Ethiopia's remarkable leadership in environmental and climate initiatives, particularly highlighting the renowned Green Legacy program.   She expressed her interest in aligning this initiative with the recently announced UN Decade of Ecological Restoration, led by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Inspired by Ethiopia's multifaceted leadership in environmental issues, she expressed a desire to collaborate with Ethiopia to enhance UNEP's effectiveness. “COP29 must establish ambitious, quantifiable climate finance goals that are accessible to countries with limited capacity, including those in Africa and least developed countries like Ethiopia,” Seyoum stated, highlighting Ethiopia’s priorities for COP29 to the UNFCCC Executive Secretary. He further noted: “As the chair of AMCEN, Ethiopia aims to unify the region's voice, ensuring it is heard.” Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC appreciated Ethiopia’s ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) while commending the Government of Ethiopia’s plan to submit the 3rd generation NDC (NDC3.0). He further expressed his commitment for mobilizing the financial resources to Ethiopia for achieving the development and submission of Ethiopia’s NDC having the whole of society being applied. Simon shared his commitment for having a New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Change (NCQG) with his hope that the divergences on the sources of finance and the quality of it. The two parties agreed to continue their bilateral consultation towards a shared interest in the time to come.          

Addis Ababa, August 30/2024 (ENA) The Greater Horn of Africa region will have warmer than usual temperatures from September to November, the Climate Prediction and Applications Center (ICPAC) of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, remarked. ICPAC noted in its latest update that the temperatures in some countries would rise to over 34 degrees Celsius. "Drier than usual conditions expected over the eastern parts of the region during the September to November season with warmer than usual conditions likely over most parts," ICPAC said. The IGAD agency also forecasted wetter than normal conditions in a few countries, including in southern Sudan, eastern South Sudan, western Kenya, western Ethiopia, and some parts of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, Xinhua reported. Other countries that make up the Greater Horn of Africa region are Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea.

Addis Ababa August 29/2024 (ENA) Representatives of various embassies based in Addis Ababa have commended Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative emphasizing its critical contribution to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The representatives made the remark while planting seedlings at the premises of National Intelligence University as part of the ongoing nationwide tree planting campaign. Ethiopia is carrying out the 6th round of tree planting campaign as part of the Green Legacy Initiative during this rainy season targeting to plant 7.5 billion seedlings across the nation under the theme “A Nation that plants; a Generation that Sustains.” Accordingly, representatives of various embassies in Addis participated at the campaign by planting seedlings in the premises of National Intelligence University as part of the ongoing nationwide tree planting campaign. On the occasion, they commended Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative emphasizing its critical contribution to mitigating the impacts of climate change. They also said that the initiative ought to be adopted globally, stressing its contribution to lower carbon emissions and build a climate change-resilient environment. The diplomats acknowledged Ethiopia’s critical role in ensuring the peace and stability of the region, affirming the continuation of enhanced cooperation in terms of information exchange and other collaborations.  

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced this evening that 615.7 million seedlings have been planted from the dawn to dusk planting campaign held today across Ethiopia. All Ethiopians set out to plant 600 million saplings from sunrise to sunset today, Prime Minister Abiy said, adding “Refusing to let the sun set without achieving our goal, we surpassed it, planting an astounding 615.7 million saplings by the end of the day.” He added that “children have planted their hope. Young people have demonstrated their resilience. The elderly have left a legacy.” From one corner of the country to another, Ethiopians stepped out and made their mark, the PM remarked. “With our unwavering spirit and perseverance, we accomplished overnight what has never been done anywhere else in the world. Today, we stand for climate balance, line up against soil degradation, and commit to ensuring food security, ” the premier pointed out. Ethiopia has worked relentlessly to restore the prosperity of the country, he said adding “With the Creator's help, we achieved what we set out to do by today's sunset.” In total, 29.1 million citizens planted saplings across 318.4 hectares of geospatially mapped locations, he said and added that the planting efforts outside the registered database will continue to be reported. The prime minister noted that this is a testament to the incredible solidarity and perseverance of Ethiopians, extending gratitude to all who have participated in the process. “Our gratitude goes out to the leaders, professionals, and media institutions who played key roles in planning, monitoring, and ensuring the success of this initiative. Together, our ambition is to build and sustain a better Ethiopia, and our efforts will continue,” PM Abiy concluded.

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA)-Ethiopian religious persons have stressed today the need for consolidating and sustaining the Green Legacy program as an established custom for its multifaceted significance. The religious persons have participated in the one-day seedlings planting program in Lemi Kura Sub-city of Addis Ababa City. Among them, Melake-Mihret Tsegaye Worku, said the Green Legacy program has huge contribution to nation building and image building of the country. According to him, trees provide healthy and fresh air where the youth can write and read, and the for the elderly to gather and hold discussions. On his part, Sheikh Mohammed Awol said the Green Legacy Program needs to give attention to planting indigenous plants as they have significant value for medicine. He added that all the people should, without any differences, participate in the Green Legacy campaign that has several significance. Sheikh Mohammed urged people to nurture the seedlings planted today. Pastor Abrham Beyene stressed the need for intensifying the program as the Green Legacy Initiative plays a vital role in mitigating climate change.      

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) The Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Ambassador Redwan Hussien has joined the nationwide overnight tree planting campaign today. Millions of Ethiopians from all over the nation turned out in the early morning today to break their own planting record by planting 600 million seedlings in a single day. This ambitious from dawn to dusk tree planting campaign is part of the Green Legacy Initiative being implemented in Ethiopia since 2019. The Director General of NISS, Ambassador Redwan Hussain has joined the campaign by planting seedlings this morning. On the occasion, Redwan emphasized that the Green Legacy Initiative has a significant impact on the nation which remarkably improve the landscape and helped mitigate the effects of climate change. He also encouraged citizens to continue participating in reforestation efforts to ensure a sustainable future for Ethiopia. Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in the last five years to increase the country's forest cover, with outstanding increases of 23.6 percent by 2023 compared to 17.2 percent in 2019. Reliable sources state that in five years, starting in 2019, the country has planted 32.5 billion tree seedlings. Some 7.5 billion additional seedlings are expected to be planted this rainy season to make the total number of seedlings planted 40 billion thus far.            

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) -The Green Legacy does not only benefit Ethiopia but also the broader global community, Public Procurement and Property Authority (PPPA) Director-General Meseret Meskele underscored. Millions of Ethiopians have been turning out since the early morning to smash their own planting record by planting 600 million seedlings in a single day today. PPPA Director-General Meseret Meskele, along with her colleagues and employees of the authority, has participated in the planting campaign at Entoto Park in Addis Ababa.   She told ENA that her authority has been participating in the Green legacy Initiative to mitigate the impacts of climate change and challenges of food insecurity. According to her, the initiative is a valuable program of broader impact as it benefits not just Ethiopia but also the global community. “The Green Legacy Initiative is of paramount importance to the world at large. In Ethiopia, all segments of the society are engaged in planting seedlings of the Green Legacy Initiative that the prime minister took lead,” the director-general stated. Moreover, she pointed out that the initiative is of crucial importance in mitigating climate change and environmental pollution as well as maintaining healthy environment, conducive agro-ecology and tourism development. The initiative further promotes the good image of Ethiopia globally in the effort to mitigate climate change, Meseret noted. “I believe the Green Legacy Initiative is a great move towards creating an enabling environment to mitigate climate change, air pollution, foster conducive agro-ecology, tourism development and the other economy of the country.” Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in the last five years to increase the country's forest coverage, with outstanding increases of 23.6 percent by 2023 compared to 17.2 percent in 2019.

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) Chief Administrators of Amhara and South West Ethiopia regional states have stressed the significance of the Green Legacy Initiative in creating sustainable development and social cooperation/cohesion. Millions of Ethiopians have been participating in planting 600 million saplings under the theme: “A nation that plants, a generation that perseveres.” After taking part in planting, Amhara Region Chief Administrator Arega Kebede said we are exposed to problems of climate change, desertification and productivity decline. Realizing the seriousness of the problem, Ethiopia has embarked on the Green Legacy Initiative to increase agricultural productivity, prevent climate change, and ensure food security, he added. According to him, the initiative has an important goal of harmonizing relations between man and nature. In this regard, the Ethiopian people are expected to create a clean environment for the next generation by taking care of nature. South West Ethiopia Chief Administrator, Negash Wagesho said the Green Legacy Initiative’s contribution in facilitating comprehensive environmental protection and economic growth is crucial.The program initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is contributing to the prevention of climate change, he pointed out. Negash added that this initiative will contribute to promoting Ethiopia’s efforts in environmental protection, he . The chief administrator revealed that edible saplings and fruits of strategic economic value have been planted since the program started in the region.      

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) TChief Administrator of Afar Region Awol Arba emphasized that the green legacy initiative has brought great benefits to the pastoral community in the region. Ethiopians around the country are carrying out an overnight 600 million tree planting campaign today. The overnight plantation program has kicked off with the presence of the Chief Administrator Awol Arba in Afar this morning. On the occasion, he emphasized that the green legacy initiative has brought great benefits to the pastoral community in the region. "We are planting for a greener future," he said, adding that “the event, aimed at combating desertification, ensuring food security, and providing animal feed, which was also a testament to the nation's commitment to environmental protection. The fruits of the efforts exerted so far are already evident, he said, adding that pointing to the edible fruit trees planted in previous years to building a better Ethiopia." The Chief Administrator expressed his determination to contribute to the national effort. "We will work tirelessly until the last sapling is planted as this is a moment for our nation to be proud." Awol further said that through the participation of the initiative, the people will make the country and the generation so proud. The massive single day tree-planting campaign was inspired by a call made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2024 to plant 600 million saplings. Ethiopians from all walks of life have been actively participating in the initiative, leaving their mark on the country's landscape.  

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) Government Communication Service (GCS) disclosed that over 157 tree seedlings have already been planted in a single day Green Legacy campaign, setting to plant 600 million trees. In the early hours of this morning, the East African nation has witnessed millions nationwide turn out to break their own record by planting 600 million saplings from dawn to dusk in its Green Legacy Initiative. Government Communication Service State Minister Selamawit Kassa indicated that some 7.5 million people have so far participated in this overnight seedlings program. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wrote on X that with the conclusion of today's event, we will have planted around 40 billion seedlings since the launch of the Green Legacy program in 2019. The initiative has become a grand national program and an ambitious move to counter the effects of deforestation and climate change, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) While planting saplings in Assosa, the regional capital of Benishangul-Gumuz, today, PM Abiy Ahmed said we must continue planting in areas like the Abay River Basin to support water conservation. On this historic day, we have gathered in the city of Assosa for the one-day planting event, in a region known for its natural abundance, mineral wealth, and fertile lands, Abiy wrote on X. With the conclusion of today's event, we will have planted around 40 billion seedlings since the launch of the Green Legacy program in 2019, he added. The premier noted that out of the seedlings planted in the past year, 50 percent have been focused on food security, soil conservation, and combating land degradation. In conclusion he said, “As we move forward, we must continue planting in areas like the Abay River Basin to support water conservation.”

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, who participated at the 600 million planting seedlings in a single day in Addis Ababa, highlighted the importance of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative. Ethiopians from all walks of life are participating at the planting of 600 million samplings in a single day. He elaborated that agricultural producers can generate income, and they can protect their land and prevent themselves. For the ambassador, the initiative is instrumental to farmers to prevent themselves from using marginal lands that contribute to landslides and other problems. "Protection of the forest includes planting like we are doing today, but it also includes helping rural people in Ethiopia, protect their land.” The Ambassador reiterated that the United States is going to continue doing that through its university partnerships, with the federal and regional governments.

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA)-Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is a great legacy not only for today but also for the future generations, Mayor of Addis Ababa Adanech Abiebie remarked. Mayor of Addis Ababa Adanech Abiebie made the remark this morning while leaving her legacy by participating at a single day 600 million tree sampling campaign held at the ICT Park in the capital.   Residents of the capital, diplomats, religious and other segments of the society are taking part at trees planting event across the city starting early in the morning. Ethiopians from all walks of life are actively participating at this tree planting event, which is part of the National Green Legacy Initiative launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with the objective of mitigating the impacts of climate change and challenges of food insecurity. In her message the Mayor extended on the occasion she said said that people are actively participating in the green legacy program in Addis Ababa.   The mayor said on the occasion that “Green Legacy Initiative is finally bringing about fundamental changes for the country's prosperity, combating climate change and ensuring food security.” Hence, the green legacy is a great legacy not only for today but also for future generations, she said pointing out the enhanced forest coverage of the City that registered impressive improvement of 20 percent from 2.8 percent before the implementation of the initiative five years ago.  

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) Ethiopians are actively participating in planting saplings today which offer multifaceted benefits for generations to come, including environmental protection, economic, and social advantages, according to Government Communication Service. Recall that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged Ethiopians to plant 600 million saplings today until sun sets with the goal of creating a lasting legacy. The premier also urged the public to put their legacy across Ethiopia with a unified spirit, adding that “when we come together, we can achieve more.” With this, Abiy said adults and teenagers would demonstrate their love for the country by planting 20 and 10 trees respectively. Let's ensure our gift to the next generation is placed in the right spot, Abiy pointed out. State Minister of Government Communication Service, Selamawit Kassa in her morning announcement said that today's event of planting saplings is historic and it will bless the future generations. She emphasized that the 600 million saplings we are planting will leave a lasting legacy on Ethiopia’s future. Ethiopia's green legacy is crucial for restoring forest cover, combating climate change, ensuring food security, and aiding in poverty reduction, she noted.

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA)-“Together, we will build a green, beautiful, and comfortable Ethiopia for future generations," Prosperity Party (PP) Public and International Relations Head. Dr. Bikila Hurisa declared. Millions of Ethiopians responded to the call to participate in the nationwide tree-planting initiative on a single day today.   The ambitious goal of planting 600 million saplings was set, and people from all walks of life joined the effort to make a positive impact on their environment. Leaders from the Prosperity Party's main office also took part in the historic event, planting trees alongside residents of the capital city. Bikila Hurisa, the head of the party's public and international relations, expressed confidence that the ambitious target of planting 600 million saplings overnight would be achieved. He highlighted the community's preparedness, with seedlings and planting sites already established during the summer months. With the onset of the rainy season, efforts were focused on fulfilling this target and working towards the broader goal of planting 7.5 billion trees. Bikila emphasized that planting saplings is only the first step. He stressed the importance of ongoing care and nurturing to ensure the saplings thrive and contribute to forestry, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors. He expressed the vision of a green, beautiful, and comfortable Ethiopia, which would be passed on to future generations.

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) A Nation that plants; a Generation that Sustains.As citizens regardless of all backgrounds are showing strong commitment to leave their green footprints for generations to come, children are also part of this historic event and they will have stories to share to the next generation about the 600 million tree planting underway today.Millions of Ethiopians all over the country are turning out since early morning to break their own planting record.The Green Legacy Initiative of Ethiopia is underway for the past five years aspiring to plant 50 billion seedlings by 2026 in two phases.  

Addis Ababa, August 23/2024 (ENA) Millions of Ethiopians from all over the nation turned out in the early morning today to smash their own planting record by planting 600 million seedlings today. Today’s massive tree planting event is part of the National Green Legacy Initiative launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with the objective of mitigating the impacts of climate change and challenges of food insecurity. Thanks to the initiative, Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in the last five years to increase the country's forest cover, with outstanding increases of 23.6 percent by 2023 compared to 17.2 percent in 2019. Reliable sources state that in five years, starting in 2019, the country has planted 32.5 billion tree seedlings. Some 7.5 billion additional seedlings are expected to be planted this rainy season to make the total number of seedlings planted 40 billion thus far. Out of the billions of seedlings being planted currently across the country, 56 percent are fruits and other multipurpose plants. Hence, the initiative has been playing crucial role to boost agricultural productivity beyond environmental protection. The overall goal of the country is to plant 50 billion seedlings by the year 2026.  

Addis Ababa, August 22/2024 (ENA) The Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) delegates and UNECA climate experts have described Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative as a commendable example of climate action developing countries should emulate. The Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) is a body under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN process for negotiating an agreement to limit dangerous climate change. Delegates of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, which have been convening a meeting about climate issues in Addis Ababa, and some UNECA climate experts have planted saplings at the UNECA compound yesterday.   The Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) Chair, Gabriel Kapaka told ENA that Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is an impressive climate action that other developing countries should emulate. Recall that Ethiopia has been planting 32.5 billion saplings since 2019 and will add 7.5 billion seedlings this rainy season by planting 600 million saplings in a single day tomorrow. “It's very much impressive, at least for us, to learn that Ethiopia is planting 600 million trees. That is huge because afforestation is one of climate actions that is very key. So being part of this process in Ethiopia is very good and we are happy that we planted these. Other LDC countries should come on board because it is a good worth emulating initiative.” Kapaka also emphasized the initiative's symbolic importance, highlighting the government's leadership and the active participation of millions of citizens. The action is very symbolic because you have the government taking the lead and then citizens take the lead, he added. The LEG chair stressed that other African countries have to emulate this, adding that there are of course certain countries in Africa that are part of this planting initiative. UN Economic Commission for Africa Senior Environmental Affairs Officer, Linus Mofor noted that the Green Legacy Initiative contributes to combat effects of climate change and ensure food security.   “The Ethiopian Green legacy Initiative is a very good example of how you adapt to build resilience while contributing to mitigation, reducing emission by captured emissions,” he said. According to Mofor, the African climate policy center of the ECA supports the Green Legacy Initiative in order to enhance the resilience of hydropower systems because Ethiopia is very green in its power generation systems. The senior officer pointed out that Ethiopia should also intensify planting fruit tree saplings to benefit the people, especially the youth and women. Mofor believes that the Green Legacy can be scaled up and replicated in other countries through a collaborative work of Ethiopia with partners. Ethiopia is always a good example of national determination and comprehensive climate change action, the senior expert noted. “We look forward to working with Ethiopia for the LDCs to take them also to other countries that are keen. Our members are keen to do this so that they can also learn from Ethiopia how it was done, and I think it will be a wonderful time when many countries across Africa have been able to replicate this and also take it further as a way of leading the action that they need to build adaptation and resilience.” Furthermore, the senior officer called on developed countries to cut emission as least developed countries are at the forefront of suffering from the impacts of climate change. “We cannot continue globally with the lackluster ambition. We really need all countries, particularly developed countries, to make more efforts to cut emissions, because without cutting emissions the impacts of climate change will continue, and when the impact of climate change continues the least developed countries are the ones that are going to be suffering.” A study conducted by UNECA, UNEP, and the African Development Bank has shown that African countries are losing 5 percent of their GDP a year on average because of climate change, Mofor elaborated. According to him, this amount of money should have gone to socio-economic development. “We cannot have this kind of countries with limited budgets being impacted at such a level. We need to take the global drive for developed countries to increase their efforts and ambition to reduce emissions, while it's also encouraging least developed countries to take opportunities that they can have in terms of developing long-term low emission development strategies, having national development, nationally determined climate contributions in ways that can build economies.” For him, developing countries should take developed countries commitment for climate financing very seriously. Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative serves as a powerful example of how developing countries can take proactive steps to combat climate change and build a sustainable future.      

Addis Ababa, August 22/2024 (ENA) Agriculture State Minister Professor Eyasu Elias announced that seedlings have been distributed for planting in all parts of the country for tomorrow's One-Day Green Legacy Program. The ministry has taken into account soil and ecological conditions of the localities, he added. The 2024 program dubbed "A Country that Plants; A Generation that perseveres!" has continued with the plan to plant 7.5 billion seedlings on 2 million hectares of land. The ministry has confirmed that 6.8 billion seedlings have been planted so far. The program has continued with increased strength, and the Government Communication Service has announced that all the necessary preparations have been made to plant 600 million seedlings in one day tomorrow. Site selection has been made for planting, with area measurements and mapping carried out on 8,000 watersheds, it was learned. Agriculture State Minister Professor Eyasu Elias told ENA that preparations have been made to plant suitable seedlings that are appropriate to the ecological conditions of each area. He confirmed that seedlings have been prepared in variety and quantity at more than 120,000 nurseries in various areas. Among the prepared seedlings, 56 percent are edible fruit varieties and the rest saplings for forest development and environmental protection. The state minster called on all to come out in their respective areas and plant the seedlings that are suitable for soil and ecological conditions of their localities in the One-Day Green Legacy Program. He recalled that watershed development beneficiary associations in rural areas have received training to lead with ownership, while sub-city and district officials will monitor the work and in urban areas. Post-planting care work should continue intensively, especially in urban areas, Professor Eyasu emphasized. According to him, the "Etho Green Legacy Portal," which is enriched through collaboration with various institutions, provides accurate information. Recall that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged all to actively participate in tomorrow's One-Day Green Legacy Program.

Addis Ababa, August 22/2024 (ENA) Residents of Addis Ababa are demonstrating strong enthusiasm to greening the capital through the national Green Legacy initiative. Despite being on the cusp of its 140th anniversary, Addis Ababa has struggled to match its age with its urban development. Its renewal efforts have been slow and deliberate. Despite changes in government, Addis Ababa has yet to achieve the status of a beautiful, clean, and international city. For instance, the city's once-dense forests have been significantly reduced, with tree cover declining to a mere 2.8 percent by 2010. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is breathing new life into the country's environment. Once desolate lands and struggling cities are now adorned with vibrant vegetation. Addis Ababa, for example, is emerging as a beautiful new metropolis, where greenery harmonizes with modern architecture. Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie emphasized the city's need to significantly increase its green space coverage to meet international standards. She noted that, despite recent efforts, the city's current green area remains relatively low. However, the Green Legacy initiative has made strides in the past five years, successfully expanding green spaces to cover approximately 17 percent. This year's launch of the program marks a continuation of these efforts. Mayor Adanech Abiebie emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to achieve the international urban standard of 30 percent green coverage within the next three years. Yonas Abate, a resident of Addis Ababa, shared his experiences and contributions to the Green Legacy Initiative over the past five year, citing the announcement of Prime Minister Abiy about the national plans to plant a massive 600 million saplings nationwide on Friday, August 17, as part of an overnight initiative. “We have one country," declared Yonas emphasizing the importance of planting saplings to create a fertile nation. "I eagerly participate in this initiative every year," he stated, "as it's a continuation of our generation's legacy." Yonas explained that cultivating of trees is essential for protecting ourselves from various natural and other forms of threats. He added, "I don't need anyone's encouragement to save our country." He said that although we always plant saplings, they will be a part of this history by participating in the overnight tree planting campaign with their children on Friday. According to the message sent by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in this campaign to make the country fertile, he expressed that he is eagerly waiting for the day to plant at least 20 quality saplings. The Green Legacy Initiative, a cornerstone of Addis Ababa's Urban Beauty and Green Development Office, "is a unifying force for Ethiopians, akin to the iconic Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam," said Yimegnushal Tadese, Head of the Office.   "This initiative is a testament to our collective desire to build a brighter future for Ethiopia." Tadese expressed optimism for the year ahead, noting that citizens from all walks of life are actively contributing to this ambitious endeavor. "This year, we aim to plant 600 million saplings nationwide in a single night," said Yimegnushal Tadese. " Addis Ababa will actively participate in this ambitious effort, planting from dawn to dusk. To ensure the success of this initiative, we have diligently cultivated seedlings, transported them to designated planting sites, and prepared necessary wells. These trees will be strategically planted in the city's road dividers, squares, and around institutions to enhance urban beauty, contribute to food security, and mitigate the effects of climate change." Mayor Adanech Abiebie also said that “we are the ones who make our capital green and comfortable to live in”. She said that by planting 20 million saplings in Addis Ababa alone this year, we will not only plant for the next generation but also show the results of cooperation. For this reason, religious institutions, members of the diplomatic community based in Addis Ababa, civic associations, rival parties and all the residents of the capital city have called to make their mark in the places prepared by the administration. Ethiopians have planted 32.5 billion tree seedlings across the country since the Green Legacy Initiative was launched by Prime Minister Abiy in 2019. The overall goal of the initiative is to plant 50 billion seedlings by 2026. If the implementation of the initiative continues with this pace and citizen's strong enthusiasm, the forest coverage of the country will reach 30 percent by the year 2030. Officials claim that the target will be accomplished since Ethiopians have made planting trees and preserving forests a major part of their culture every year.