IGAD Chief Says Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative Model for Africa

Addis Ababa ,December 3/2023(ENA)-Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu commended Ethiopia's efforts in combating climate change, particularly through its Green Legacy Initiative.  

The executive secretary made his remarks during a recent visit of IGAD delegation to the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion at COP 28 being held in Dubai.

Ethiopia has so far planted 32.5 billion tree saplings nationwide as part of its Green Legacy Initiative.  

The Initiative is a massive undertaking that aims to plant 50 billion tree seedlings by 2026, it was indicated.  

The executive secretary on the occasion has hailed the country's efforts in combating climate change, mainly through its Green Legacy Initiative, saying that it serves as an exemplary model for the East Africa region and beyond. 

Workneh praised Ethiopia's leadership in mobilizing its resources and people to implement the initiative.

“The main reason that Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is a pioneered model to the region and others is that the country planted over 30 billion tree saplings by mobilizing its resources, with people’s effort and coordination of leadership,  and without pleading for external financing.” 

He noted that the country has not relied on external financing, such as from the World Bank or other countries.

Ethiopia has also been preparing billions of tree seedlings to share with neighboring countries in the East Africa region to help them combat climate change.Thus, it serves as an exemplary model for the East Africa region and beyond, he explained.   

“This is a big thing. It has also been sharing it to countries in the region. Its symbolic significance is big. So this is a big example showing that there is big change by own effort, without expecting support, by mobilizing own resources.”

According to him, eight countries in the region are highly affected by climate change-induced consequences.

The region is a practical showcase of climate change-induced consequences, including flood and drought, which have been seen over the past few years, he stressed. 

Noting that many countries take various measures to combat the effects of climate change, Ethiopia is one of these countries that is doing exemplary work, he pointed out. 

Ethiopia also participates in global events to mobilize support for IGAD countries and Africa seeks for climate change funds to compensate for the damage it encountered due to climate changes, he noted.

In a visit to the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion at COP28, Workneh was impressed by the exhibits that showcase the country's focus on renewable energy and the public mobilization it has created in the Green Legacy Initiative. 

IGAD staff has visited the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion, which is one of the biggest pavilions at COP28, he stated.

In addition to planting trees, Ethiopia is also investing in renewable energy. The pavilion at COP28 showcased the country's focus on renewable energy, as well as the public mobilization it has created through the initiative. He was impressed by the exhibits at the pavilion and commended Ethiopia's dedication to addressing climate change.

“The direct message within the pavilion conveys a very impressive message, showing the country’s focus on renewable energy, the public mobilization it created in the Green Legacy, to which extent the country is mainly working on climate change.” 

He commended Ethiopia's dedication to addressing climate change and expressed confidence that its efforts will inspire other nations to take action.

Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is a shining example of how countries can effectively combat climate change by mobilizing their resources and people, he underscored. 

As Ethiopia continues to lead the way in climate action, other countries in the IGAD region and beyond are taking note and following suit. 

Djibouti’s Environment and Sustainable development Minister, Mohamed A. Musa said the Green Legacy is a best example to Africa and Djibouti is benefiting from the initiative.

 

“It is a good example and Djibouti will take this example. We will work on it…Ethiopia gave us a lot of plant…So it is a good example for Africa.” 

He noted that Djibouti and Ethiopia not only enjoy the relations on the transport area and electric power connectivity but also have been working on protecting the environment together, he noted.

Djibouti was also part of the Green Wall Initiative and it also welcomes Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, he added.