Ethiopia today launched an ambitious nationwide initiative to plant 700 million seedlings in a single day, a significant stride towards its ultimate goal of planting an astounding 50 billion trees across the country. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) officially kicked off the campaign at the historic Jimma Aba Jifar Palace, marking the seventh year of Ethiopia’s transformative Green Movement.
"We plan to plant 50 billion seedlings," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared in his address, setting a monumental target for the nation.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this massive undertaking, now in its seventh year, represents a monumental achievement and the largest single-day planting of seedlings in the world. He further stated that the nation aims to plant eight billion seedlings this year, which, if achieved, would bring the total number of trees planted to 48 billion.
"If we can achieve 48 billion, we can achieve our dream by planting more than 55 billion trees next year," PM Abiy added, expressing confidence in reaching beyond the initial target.
He characterized the Green Legacy Initiative as a powerful demonstration of Ethiopia’s ability to envision and execute large-scale projects through coordinated national effort. Highlighting the sheer magnitude of the undertaking, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted that planting 50 billion trees is an unparalleled achievement globally, with no other country having planted such a vast number of trees in 78 years.
He attributed this success not to wealth, but to the dedication and generosity of the Ethiopian people. "We have been able to achieve this not because we are rich, but because we have citizens with rich hearts,” he stated, acknowledging the participation of 20 to 30 million citizens in the nationwide tree-planting effort.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Ethiopia has been able to achieve its goals through this extraordinary movement and collective action. He compared the Green Belt initiative to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), describing it as a lasting legacy of Ethiopia’s great history.
PM Abiy highlighted that the nation has already benefited from coffee production and is poised to benefit from tea production due to the Green Belt. He further asserted that Ethiopia, often associated with poverty, is actively transforming its image and reputation. "No one can do that for us, our history will change because of us," he stated, underscoring the agency and responsibility of the Ethiopian people in shaping their nation's future.
Abiy urged citizens to actively participate in transforming the landscape by planting trees, cultivating food from their soil, and collectively working to overcome challenges. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging problems, embracing a shared vision, and working together to achieve that vision.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed confidence that the Green Belt program is progressing according to plan this year. He concluded by stating that this historical moment should be a catalyst for ensuring a comfortable environment for all citizens.
The Green Legacy initiative aims to combat climate change, restore degraded landscapes, and promote sustainable development across Ethiopia. The ambitious tree-planting campaign seeks to increase forest cover, enhance biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of communities by providing access to resources like timber, fruits, and other forest products. Beyond its environmental benefits, the Green Legacy initiative also serves as a symbol of national unity and collective action. By mobilizing millions of citizens to participate in tree-planting activities, the program fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the environment and promotes a culture of sustainability. The initiative reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to playing a leading role in addressing global environmental challenges and building a greener, more resilient future.
