Green Legacy Initiative Drives Growth, Fosters Unity, Speakers Say

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) —Speakers of Ethiopia’s two federal houses have commended the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) for advancing sustainable economic growth and reinforcing national unity across ethnic, religious, and political divides.

Speaking during today's nationwide campaign to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Tagesse Chafo, said the Green Legacy Initiative has become a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s environmental restoration, agricultural transformation, and long-term development.

Tagesse said the initiative, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed seven years ago, has grown beyond a seasonal tree planting campaign into a comprehensive national development strategy.

"Green Legacy is a key instrument through which we live in harmony with nature and achieve sustainable development. It is more than just a passing campaign," he noted.

He noted that the initiative has contributed to expanding forest cover, improving agricultural productivity, and encouraging citizens across the country to take collective responsibility for environmental protection.

"The GLI belongs to the people," Tagesse said, emphasizing the strong public participation that has sustained the campaign.

Speaker of the House of Federation Agegnehu Teshager, on his part, described the initiative as a national movement that brings Ethiopians together regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences.

"The Green Legacy is a shared obligation that links today's generation to tomorrow through environmental preservation," Agegnehu added.

He added that the initiative has earned international recognition as a model for community-based climate action and environmental stewardship.

Agegnehu further stressed that the success of the campaign depends not only on planting seedlings but also on ensuring their survival through proper care and protection.

"The planted saplings must be maintained and transformed into forest cover in order to achieve the goals of environmental protection and climate resilience," he said.

Both speakers said the GLI embodies the spirit of Medemer by fostering unity, shared responsibility, and collective action toward a common national goal.

"Green Legacy strengthens the principles of unity and shared responsibility," Agegnehu said, calling on citizens to continue nurturing the trees they plant.

With millions of Ethiopians participating nationwide, this year's campaign underscores the country's continued commitment to ecological restoration, climate resilience, sustainable development, and building a greener future for generations to come.