Foreign Researchers Hail Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a Model for Environmental Conservation

Addis Ababa, September 19, 2026 (ENA) —Foreign forestry researchers have praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as an outstanding example of environmental conservation, citing its wide-ranging contribution to climate action and food security.

It was learned that Ethiopia has planted a total of 56.2 billion seedlings, further strengthening the country’s leadership in efforts to restore and protect natural resources.

According to the foreign researchers interviewed by ENA, the initiative is not only helping Ethiopia lay the groundwork for greater resilience in food production and long-term sustainability, but is also addressing the impacts of global climate change.

Dutch researcher Albert Schenk described the initiative as a practical demonstration of Ethiopia’s contribution to the fight against climate change.

He said Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is an impressive model for development and urged other countries to support similar efforts.

Schenk emphasized that protecting forests and natural resources is essential to building a climate-resilient economy, and argued that investment in green development delivers returns worthy of sustained attention.

Ugandan forest resource development researcher Robert Atugonza said Ethiopia is pursuing ambitious forestry and natural resource protection plans while delivering tangible results.

He added that the initiative continues to serve as a foundation for climate mitigation, environmental protection, and food security.

He urged other African countries, particularly in East Africa, to learn from Ethiopia’s approach and maintain momentum through collective effort.

Tanzania-based forestry protection program coordinator Almas Kashindye described Ethiopia’s sustained seedling planting and care efforts as a remarkable public initiative.

He noted that protecting and nurturing natural resources offers multiple benefits, including safeguarding biodiversity and water bodies, while supporting climate mitigation and food security.

Bolivian scholar Humberto Gómez Cerveró, the Thematic Lead on Participatory Forest Restoration and Programme Coordinator at Tropenbos International also praised Ethiopia’s citizens for their contributions, noting that the seedlings planted in recent years carry significant value for ongoing global climate efforts.

The researchers said the initiative reflects a comprehensive development strategy that has achieved notable success in a short period.