Ambassadors Engaged in Diplomats’ Tree Planting Program Applaud Green Legacy Initiative

Addis Ababa, June 30, 2026 (ENA) —Ambassadors who took part in planting seedlings in the vicinity of Addis Ababa today have lauded Ethiopia's continuing Green Legacy initiative that helps to preserve nature and restore the environment.

EU, Israel, and Romania Ambassadors as well as Oman’s Head of Mission described the nationwide tree-planting as a model initiative that can drive climate action in the region and beyond.

The initiative, launched in 2019, has been gaining momentum nationally and drawing growing attention globally as Ethiopia accelerates efforts to restore ecosystems and address climate change.

As part of international support for the initiative, the diplomatic community based in Addis Ababa have been taking part in the annual tree seedlings planting program.

Speaking to ENA, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, said the Green Legacy initiative is significant for multiple reasons, emphasizing that tree planting supports climate resilience by strengthening forests and ecosystems.

 

She noted the initiative’s connection to Ethiopia’s broader transition toward greener development, including renewable energy cooperation, with investments involving partners such as Denmark, and in the future additional support linked to efforts from France and the EU.

From-Emmesberger observed that the campaign is ambitious and urged sustained attention to the long-term impact, adding that the trees will need time to grow fully before climate benefits become more visible.

The Ambassador described the participation of diplomats as a way to demonstrate collective support and multilateral commitment towards combating impacts of climate change.

She further pointed out the urgency of coordinated climate action, referencing recent extreme heat in Europe and stressing that climate change has no borders.

In this regard, as Ethiopia is set to host COP32 next year, it will play a central role in global efforts of advancing climate action, Ambassador From-Emmesberger added.

Israel’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise, said the Green Legacy initiative is important not only for Ethiopia but for the entire planet, stressing that climate challenges affect all countries.

 

He said Ethiopia is demonstrating leadership worldwide and praised the structured and organized approach behind the initiative.

Ambassador Neguise referenced his country’s experience of transformation from a desert environment to a greener landscape, describing it as evidence of what can be achieved through policy, planning, and consistent effort.

The diplomats’ tree planting program at Entoto Park today is a historic opportunity for international participation, he added.

On her part, Romanian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Lulia Pataki, said her engagement in the tree planting was meaningful and praised the Green Legacy initiative as unique and beyond planting trees. It is restoring nature, according to Ambassador Pataki.

 

She stressed that such efforts need to encourage protecting life locally, across the continent, and globally.

Oman’s Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Afkar Al Farsi said he was proud to participate in the diplomats’ tree planting program, commending Ethiopia for planting billions of tree seedlings that help to preserve nature and restore the environment.

The efforts of Ethiopia are vital for slowing global warming through combating climate change impacts, he added.

 

The Head of Mission affirmed that Oman is supporting Ethiopia’s efforts while pursuing similar environmental projects, including an Omani initiative to plant 1 billion palm trees.