Ethiopia is set to plant over 7.5 billion seedlings this year as part of its ambitious Green Legacy Initiative, the Ethiopia Forest Development Agency announced. This continues a nationwide effort that has already seen 40 billion trees planted, significantly boosting the country's forest cover.
Preparations for the massive undertaking were detailed by Aberu Tena, Lead Executive for Green Legacy and Artificial Forest at Ethiopia Forest Development, during a discussion on EBC's Addis Ken program, 'Ye Hager Guday' segment. Aberu confirmed that over 2.7 billion of the seedlings prepared for this year are indigenous species, underscoring a commitment to native biodiversity.
"Sufficient preparations have been made for this year's Green Legacy program," Aberu stated, adding that specific sites for planting have been identified and remaining logistical efforts are being coordinated with various stakeholders.
Launched in 2011 Ethiopian Calendar (2018/2019 Gregorian calendar), the Green Legacy Initiative has already yielded "encouraging results" in both planting and nurturing seedlings, as well as in rehabilitating degraded lands, according to Tena. A study completed last year indicates that Ethiopia's forest cover has expanded by a remarkable 23.6 percent, directly linked to these efforts.
The initiative also highlights individual contributions, with citizens like Bekele Melesse actively participating. Bekele, who has personally planted various vegetable and fruit seedlings in his compound, noted that his harvests provide food for his family. He added that his neighbors are following his example, with government support, demonstrating significant agricultural development on small land parcels.