Addis Ababa, July 14, 2026 (FMC) — Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, said the defense force is bringing the same sense of commitment it devotes to its core mission of safeguarding the nation to Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative, reaffirming the military’s readiness to answer national calls beyond its primary responsibilities.
Launching the ENDF’s 2026 Green Legacy tree-planting campaign at the General Command Complex today, Field Marshal Berhanu said members of the defense force, as an integral part of the Ethiopian people, are fully committed to supporting the nationwide initiative alongside local communities.
He stressed that the ENDF’s responsibility goes beyond planting seedlings, emphasizing that the force will ensure the trees are properly nurtured until they take root, grow, and bear fruit.
Speaking at the event, State Minister for Agricultural Development Sector at the Ministry of Defense, Thomas Tut, said the defense force plans to plant 20 million seedlings during this year’s Green Legacy campaign.
He noted that the campaign will be implemented in a coordinated manner across various development sites to help combat soil erosion and forest degradation.
Thomas added that the Green Legacy initiative has delivered significant environmental and development gains since its launch, earning international recognition and contributing to Ethiopia’s successful bid to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32).
He also underscored that members of the ENDF continue to contribute to national development not only through their sacrifices to safeguard the country’s peace and security, but also through financial, material and knowledge-based support for national initiatives.
The ENDF’s Green Legacy campaign, officially launched at the General Command Complex, will continue across military formations nationwide until the end of August.