PM’s Initiatives Landmark Achievements in Environmental Conservation: EEPA

Addis Ababa, June 6, 2026 —The transformative initiatives conceptualized by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and realized under his leadership are delivering huge contributions to environmental protection, according to the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA).

The transformative initiatives, including the Riverside Development and Corridor Development, are delivering significant contributions to environmental sustainability and urban renewal.

This was highlighted at the celebration of the 33rd National Environmental Protection Day, coinciding with the 53rd global observance of World Environment Day.

To mark the occasion, senior officials and environmental experts drawn from both federal and Addis Ababa environmental protection authorities visited the newly inaugurated Entoto-Kechene Riverside Development Project.

The eco-park was recently inaugurated and opened to the public by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

During the tour, Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority Director-General, Lelise Neme,  noted that the projects championed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have provided a massive impetus to national conservation efforts, ensuring highly effective and visible ecological outcomes.

The Director-General recalled the unprecedented success of the Green Legacy Initiative, through which over 48 billion saplings were planted across the nation.

The massive afforestation drive continues to yield multi-dimensional dividends, most notably in substantially reducing carbon footprints and combating air pollution.

Lelise emphasized that these exemplary strides have earned Ethiopia global acclaim, highlighting how the country's proactive climate actions are playing a decisive role in restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.

The sweeping riverside revitalizations represent a modern environmental stewardship, describing the Entoto-Kechene project as a shining testament to how urban spaces can be harmonized with nature, she said.

A unique feature of this project, the Director-General added, is its dedicated preservation of indigenous flora and its architectural integration of the Konso community's UNESCO-recognized indigenous terracing and conservation wisdom, beautifully marrying heritage with modern ecology.

These pioneering environmental benchmarks are firmly positioning Ethiopia as a global role model and a leading reference point for sustainable green growth, she pointed out.