Addis Ababa, July 30, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative should serve as a model for the rest of Africa—not only for the scale of its tree-planting efforts, but also for its focus on indigenous species and ecological restoration, according to Juan Lucas Restrepo, Director General of the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).
Restrepo, along with the Alliance’s Africa Regional Managing Director Wanjiru Kamau-Rotenberg and other international and local officials, took part in a tree-planting event held today at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Addis Ababa.
The event supports Ethiopia’s flagship Green Legacy Initiative, which has already resulted in the planting of over 40 billion seedlings nationwide and aims to plant an additional 700 million in a single day tomorrow.
Speaking at the ceremony, Restrepo praised Ethiopia’s leadership in climate action.
“Ethiopia is leading in green initiatives, and I see other countries beginning to catch up and follow,” he said.
“I believe Ethiopia’s example must be emulated not only in the ambition of the number of trees planted, but also in the way those trees are selected—especially the reintroduction of native species. These technical elements are essential for long-term ecological success.”
He commended the Ethiopian government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, for spearheading the campaign.
“This initiative is not only helping mitigate climate change, but also restoring biodiversity and revitalizing ecosystems across the country.”
Restrepo emphasized the broader benefits of tree planting, noting that trees are vital to healthy ecosystems.
“They offer essential services such as carbon capture, water retention, and habitat restoration. Restoring ecological balance also opens up economic opportunities for local communities.”
For her part, Kamau-Rotenberg underscored the importance of Ethiopia’s example for the continent.
“African governments absolutely need to follow Ethiopia’s lead,” she said.
“The scale at which Ethiopia is succeeding in re-greening the nation is an inspiration to us all. Countries across Africa must embrace this legacy.”
She added, “Together, we can build a greener future for our continent—one that ensures future generations inherit a thriving environment.”
Kamau-Rotenberg also invoked the memory of renowned environmentalist Wangari Maathai, stressing the central role of trees in sustaining life on Earth.
Dereje Kassahun Mengistu, Project Coordinator at the Alliance, shared insights into the ecological impact of the Green Legacy Initiative.
“We’ve documented cases where planting one tree species has led to the natural regeneration of over ten native species,” he explained.
He added that such regeneration supports land restoration, improves biodiversity, and provides habitat for local wildlife including the Guereza monkey and several bird species.
“The initiative has shown clear environmental benefits,” he said, “including improved water resources and better climate resilience.”
Dereje also highlighted the importance of planting a variety of species.
“Each species plays a unique role in maintaining ecosystem health and contributing to sustainable development,” he noted.
Today’s tree-planting event, held alongside the ongoing Stakeholder Food Summit, highlighted the critical link between environmental health and food security, ENA reported.
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT—part of the CGIAR research consortium—is hosted by ILRI in Addis Ababa. The center works to leverage agricultural biodiversity and transform food systems for a sustainable future.