Ethiopia REDD+ Investment Program Phase II Launched

Addis Ababa ,November 17/2023 2023 (ENA):-Ethiopia is committed to implement REDD+ Investment Program Phase II to realize green economic growth and development by reducing greenhouse gas emission, Agriculture Minister Girma Amente said.

Ethiopian Forestry Development REDD+ Investment Program Phase II was launched today in the presence of government officials and development partners.

 

The project funded with 25 million USD by the Norwegian government  runs until 2026, it was learned.

Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Minister Girma Amente said the Ethiopian government recognizes the important contribution of forest in realizing green economic growth and development by reducing greenhouse gas emission.

To realize the potential of forests, the government has been working with bilateral and multilateral development partners to strengthen and further develop the conservation, development and sustainable use of forest resources, he added.

Moreover, it would restore degraded landscape, introduce innovation and best practices, and transform the sector.

According to him, Norway’s support aligns with the government’s policy and it is committed to  implementing REDD+ Investment Program Phase II.  

Girma stated that Ethiopia has planted 32.5 billion seedlings over the past five years through the Green Legacy Initiative.

Norway Ambassador to Ethiopia, Stian Christensen said on his part that Norway and Ethiopia enjoy close collaboration on wide range of issues.

One key area is climate change to increase food security where Norway has been a longstanding partner of Ethiopia, he noted.  

Since 2017, the total Norwegian support for forest and climate in Ethiopia, is approximately 130 million USD, according to the ambassador. 

Christensen promised that Norway will continue to contribute supporting Ethiopia’s effort to mitigate climate change and improve livelihood.  

Ethiopia Forestry Development (EFD) Director-General, Kebede Yimam said Ethiopia is closely working with Norway to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

He thanked the Norwegian government for its continued financial support which has been instrumental in protecting and developing forest resources.

REDD+ Investment Program Phase II is expected to contribute to Ethiopia’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets of emission reduction, increased forest cover, and increased GDP.