Green Legacy Initiative Enhances Ecotourism Alongside Environmental Protection, Says State Minister

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is playing a significant role in expanding the country's ecotourism potential in addition to its contribution to environmental conservation, Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma said.

Launched in 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the GLI has become a flagship environmental movement focused on restoring degraded landscapes, expanding forest coverage, and strengthening climate resilience nationwide.

As part of the current rainy season campaign, Ethiopia held a historic tree-planting drive on August 3, 2026, aimed at planting 800 million seedlings in a single day.  

The event drew millions of participants from all walks of life, including high-level government officials led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.  

On the same day, the Ministry of Tourism and its stakeholders planted various indigenous plant species, fruit trees, and coffee seedlings.

By the conclusion of the drive, the campaign surpassed its target, planting 805.3 million seedlings nationwide with the active participation of over 26.2 million Ethiopians.

In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), State Minister Sileshi emphasized that planting diverse flora, especially native plants, substantially supports ecotourism development by preserving biodiversity.  

He noted that Ethiopia is endowed with unique indigenous flora and fauna, and the continued annual initiative plays a vital role in conserving these natural assets.

Furthermore, Ethiopia has developed major ecotourism projects under the "Dine for Ethiopia" program, including Gorgora, Wonchi, Koysha, Halala Kella, and Chebera Churchura.  

These projects are driving tourist activity, generating foreign currency, creating job opportunities, and preserving the nation's natural heritage.

Highlighting that tourism is a central pillar of the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, the state minister underscored the sector's expanding role in accelerating national economic growth.