Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative extends far beyond tree planting and environmental restoration, serving as a strategic national undertaking to protect and sustainably develop the country’s natural resources while strengthening the foundations of long-term development, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said.
In a message shared on his social media platforms today, Temesgen said the initiative is strengthening Ethiopia’s resilience to climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems and contributing to the transformation of the country into a greener and more productive landscape.
He said the achievements recorded in recent years demonstrate what Ethiopia can accomplish through sustained national commitment, domestic capacity and the collective action of its citizens, adding that the country’s experience offers an example of determined, locally driven climate action.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, protecting and restoring natural resources is not solely an environmental imperative but is also fundamental to increasing agricultural productivity, advancing food self-sufficiency, creating economic opportunities and sustaining long-term economic growth.
He said Ethiopia has therefore made the Green Legacy an enduring national development priority, linking environmental restoration with the country’s pursuit of food sovereignty and economic sovereignty.
Temesgen underscored the responsibility of the present generation to meet today’s needs while protecting and enhancing the natural wealth upon which future generations will depend.
He stressed that Ethiopia’s development efforts must leave future generations not with depleted resources, but with a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable country.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the integrated green development initiatives already underway will continue with greater determination, scale and momentum to establish a strong and reliable foundation for Ethiopia’s future.
He said the Green Legacy represents more than planting trees, describing it as an effort to cultivate hope, strengthen national sovereignty and build a greener and more resilient Ethiopia for generations to come.