Diplomats Join Ethiopia's Green Legacy Tree Planting as Ambassador Hadera Reaffirms Commitment to Green Development

Addis Ababa, June 30, 2026 (ENA) —A Green Legacy Initiative tree-planting ceremony was held today at Entoto Park, bringing together members of the diplomatic community and senior Ethiopian officials.

The move is considered as a demonstration of international solidarity and a shared commitment to combating climate change, restoring ecosystems, and advancing sustainable development.

The tree-planting event brought together members of the diplomatic community and Ethiopian officials, reinforcing the growing international support for the Green Legacy Initiative, which has evolved into one of the world’s largest environmental restoration programs.

Speaking during the event, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadera Abera said environmental protection is a collective responsibility that requires coordinated global action.

“The participation of the diplomatic community reflects the understanding that climate change is a global challenge that no country can address alone,” he said.

The state minister also stressed that stronger international cooperation is essential to building a more resilient and sustainable future.

Hadera highlighted the remarkable progress achieved since the Green Legacy Initiative was launched in 2019, stating that millions of Ethiopians have participated in the nationwide campaign and that more than 50 billion tree seedlings have been planted across the country.

According to him, the initiative is helping restore degraded landscapes, conserve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, improve water and soil resources, and create green employment opportunities, while contributing to Ethiopia’s broader sustainable development objectives.

The state minister also linked Ethiopia’s environmental ambitions to its growing international engagement, emphasizing that continued collaboration with diplomatic missions and development partners will further strengthen the country’s climate and environmental agenda.

Also speaking at the event, Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority Director General Kumera Wakjira commended members of the diplomatic community for joining the nationwide campaign, describing their participation as a powerful demonstration of international partnership in environmental stewardship.

 

He said the event represented more than a symbolic tree-planting exercise, reaffirming a shared commitment to conserving nature, restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and building a climate-resilient future.

Kumera described the Green Legacy Initiative as one of the world’s most ambitious environmental restoration efforts, reflecting Ethiopia’s strong commitment to climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

He noted that habitat loss, deforestation, land degradation, and climate change continue to pose serious threats to wildlife and ecosystems, adding that Ethiopia is responding through ecosystem restoration, protected area management, and community-based conservation programs.

Highlighting the significance of the venue, Kumera said Entoto Park holds strategic ecological, recreational, and tourism value, serving as an important watershed, biodiversity habitat, and green space for the capital.

 

“Every tree planted contributes to cleaner air, greater carbon sequestration, improved soil and water conservation, and healthier habitats for wildlife, while also supporting sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

The participants of the diplomatic community underscores the growing international recognition of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a model for collective climate action and demonstrates the importance of global partnerships, ENA lesrned.