Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives, Tagesse Chafo, has declared the planting of 48 billion seedlings over the past seven years a major national achievement. He emphasized that this milestone belongs to no single entity, but stands as a collective triumph made possible by the active involvement of children, youth, parents, and communities across the nation.

Spearheaded under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), the Green Legacy Initiative has successfully mobilized millions of citizens nationwide. Speaker Tagesse noted that the movement is far more than a one-time tree-planting drive; it represents an enduring national vision designed to restore harmony with nature and pave the way for sustainable development.

The environmental and economic impacts of the initiative are already clearly visible. Green development efforts have played a critical role in preserving water resources, reviving natural springs, improving lake conditions, and expanding wildlife habitats. Most notably, Ethiopia's forest cover has grown from 17.2 percent to 23.6 percent over the last seven years. At the same time, these environmental works have directly contributed to national growth by driving notable increases in agricultural productivity, particularly in the production of wheat, maize, and coffee.

Looking ahead, the initiative is launching its eighth round with an ambitious target to plant 8 billion seedlings, alongside a nationwide campaign to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day. Pointing to this year’s theme, "Let Us Plant Hope," Speaker Tagesse reminded citizens that planting trees is not merely a task for today, but a lasting commitment passed down to nourish future generations.