Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Sets Course for 65 Billion Trees Before Hosting COP32 in 2027: PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, June 16, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia is advancing toward a landmark 65 billion-tree target that is expected to be showcased when the country hosts the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027 in Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said.

At the launch of the 2026 Green Legacy planting season in Bishoftu, the Prime Minister said this year’s campaign will see more than eight billion seedlings planted nationwide, reinforcing what he described as a steadily expanding national environmental transformation.

He said the long-term ambition places Ethiopia on a path to present a major climate achievement on the global stage during COP32, positioning the Green Legacy Initiative as a central element of the country’s environmental diplomacy.

Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has mobilized widespread national participation and delivered large-scale results, with more than 48 billion multi-purpose seedlings already planted. This figure is projected to surpass 56 billion following this year’s campaign.

Beyond scale, the program has been credited with broad ecological and socio-economic gains, ranging from landscape restoration to improved rural livelihoods.

Expansion of fruit tree cultivation has also been a key component, with more than ten new fruit varieties introduced to strengthen agricultural output and support food security objectives.

In parallel, the initiative has opened up diverse employment pathways for millions of citizens engaged across seedling production, nursery management, planting operations, beekeeping, livestock rearing, and related green economy activities.

The Prime Minister called for sustained public engagement in the current planting season, underscoring that continued national momentum will be essential in achieving the 65 billion-tree milestone ahead of COP32 in 2027.