By: Marta Abdisa
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh announced on Tuesday that Ethiopians have achieved a historic environmental milestone by planting 805.3 million tree seedlings in a single day under the nationwide Green Legacy Initiative.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen commended the extraordinary public mobilization, describing the record-breaking achievement as a "green development miracle" that demonstrates the profound power of unity, resilience, and collective civic action across all regions of the country.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the Green Legacy Initiative, championed under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), represents a long-term commitment to safeguarding the nation's ecological future and fulfilling its responsibility toward coming generations.
PM Abiy reported that despite facing challenging weather conditions in various areas, millions of citizens ranging from rural farmers to urban residents, worked tirelessly from dawn until dusk to successfully exceed the ambitious national target. Temesgen commended the seamless coordination between community leaders, regional administrations, and volunteer networks that made the seamless execution of the massive campaign possible.
Highlighting the tangible ecological impacts of the initiative, Temesgen revealed that years of sustained tree planting have initiated visible landscape restoration across Ethiopia. He noted that previously degraded watersheds have recovered, denuded mountainsides have regained lush green cover, and depleted water springs are actively being restored. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that these environmental improvements have enhanced agricultural productivity, mitigated local climate risks, and earned Ethiopia widespread international recognition as a pioneer in large-scale ecological conservation.
Looking ahead, Temesgen stressed that planting seedlings is merely the first phase of a broader national commitment to sustainable development. He recommended that regional agricultural bureaus, environmental agencies, and local communities establish dedicated monitoring frameworks, protective fencing, and watering schedules to ensure high seedling survival rates. Concluding his message, the Deputy Prime Minister urged all citizens to maintain their active participation in post-planting care, assuring the nation that the government will continue to expand green growth initiatives to build a climate-resilient, food-secure, and prosperous Ethiopia.
