Ethiopia is poised to break its records in environmental conservation tomorrow, Thursday, as it launches its seventh annual Green Legacy initiative, aiming to plant a staggering 700 million seedlings across the nation in just one day.
The ambitious program, spearheaded by the government, has prepared over 13,000 planting sites nationwide, mobilising an expected workforce of more than 25 million people.
Getachew Gizaw, Deputy Chairman of the National Green Legacy Technical Committee, confirmed that all logistical and informational preparations are complete.
Speaking on EBC FM Addis 97.1, Getachew emphasised the scale of the operation, stating that the initiative seeks to not only combat deforestation and land degradation but also to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the country.
“We are ready. Information has been disseminated to every planting site, detailing the specific types of seedlings to be planted, the layout of the site, and the expected number of participants. This meticulous planning is crucial for the success of this national endeavour,” Getachew asserted.
The Green Legacy program, initiated in 2019, has already seen billions of trees planted across Ethiopia.
While the program has faced criticism and questions regarding the survival rates of the seedlings, the government maintains that the long-term environmental and economic benefits outweigh the challenges.
This year, emphasis has been placed on selecting tree species that are well-suited to the specific climate and soil conditions of each planting site, aiming to improve the overall success rate.
To ensure effective coordination and data collection, a dedicated short message service (SMS) number, 699, has been established.
Planting sites are required to report their activities, including the type and quantity of seedlings planted, to this number throughout the day. This real-time information gathering will allow the National Green Legacy Technical Committee to monitor progress, identify any potential issues, and make necessary adjustments to maximise the impact of the day's planting efforts.
The initiative's success hinges on the widespread participation of citizens from all walks of life, including government officials, students, farmers, and private sector employees.
The program not only seeks to physically plant trees but also to foster a sense of environmental stewardship and collective responsibility among Ethiopians.
"We expect more than 25 million people to participate in this incredible effort across the country. This is a testament to the commitment of the Ethiopian people to creating a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come,” Getachew stated.
The Green Legacy initiative is more than just a tree planting exercise; it's a comprehensive strategy addressing critical environmental challenges facing Ethiopia, including desertification, soil erosion, and climate change. The program aims to restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, improve water resources, and boost agricultural productivity.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the Green Legacy program is also seen as an economic opportunity.
The planted trees are expected to contribute to the development of forestry-based industries, providing sustainable livelihoods for communities and contributing to the country's economic growth.
This includes potential income generation from timber, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the program, the potential for corruption in the seedling procurement process, and the limited monitoring of seedling survival rates after planting.
They argue that focusing solely on planting large numbers of trees without addressing underlying issues such as land tenure security and sustainable land management practices will ultimately limit the program's long-term effectiveness.
Despite these criticisms, the Green Legacy program has garnered international attention and recognition as a bold and ambitious initiative to combat climate change and environmental degradation. Other African countries have expressed interest in replicating the program, highlighting its potential as a model for large-scale reforestation efforts across the continent.
As Ethiopia prepares for tomorrow's mass planting event, the world will be watching to see if the country can achieve its ambitious goal of planting 700 million trees in a single day.
The success of the Green Legacy program will not only have a significant impact on Ethiopia's environment but also serve as an inspiration for other nations seeking to address the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. The long-term sustainability and monitoring of these planted seedlings, however, remain critical factors in determining the program’s ultimate success.
