Pres. Taye Highlights Practical Climate Solutions in Ethiopia’s Green Legacy

Addis Ababa, July 11, 2025 (FMC) — President Taye Atske Selassie today highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative as a key pillar in Ethiopia’s practical efforts to address climate change and restore its natural environment.

The President took part in a national tree planting activity alongside staff from the Office of the President, contributing to this year’s Green Legacy campaign.

Launched in June 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Green Legacy Initiative aims to restore degraded land, expand forest coverage, and strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change.

At the end of June, Prime Minister Abiy officially launched the 2025 planting season, setting an ambitious national target of planting 7.5 billion seedlings under the theme “Renewal Through Planting.” The launch was attended by senior government officials and members of the diplomatic community.

President Taye noted that the Green Legacy is already delivering substantial results in mitigating climate change. He emphasized its wide-ranging environmental benefits, including ecosystem restoration, landslide prevention, and water resource conservation.

“Beyond its climate benefits, the initiative is vital for restoring degraded lands, combating desertification, and supporting our food self-sufficiency goals,” he said, urging citizens across the country to actively participate in the campaign.

The President also underscored the link between environmental stewardship and human well-being, describing the initiative as a generational responsibility that will shape Ethiopia’s future.

He expressed his deep appreciation to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for initiating and championing the Green Legacy Initiative, from its inception to large-scale national implementation.

This year’s campaign officially began on June 27, 2025, with tree planting activities underway across the country to meet the 7.5 billion seedling target.