Antalya, November 13, 2026 (FMC) – With more than 56 billion seedlings planted over eight years, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is contributing to the global response to climate change through an integrated approach to environmental restoration, natural-resource conservation and climate resilience, Office of the Prime Minister Press Secretary Billene Seyoum has explained.
In her reflection on Ethiopia’s participation at COP31 in Antalya, Billene presented the initiative as part of a wider national effort that goes far beyond planting trees. Its broader purpose encompasses protecting ecosystems, conserving watersheds, restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening the country’s capacity to withstand climate-related pressures.
This integrated approach places environmental restoration at the heart of sustainable development and connects Ethiopia’s domestic efforts to the shared global responsibility of addressing climate change.
The significance of the Green Legacy Initiative lies in the environmental systems it seeks to protect and restore. Forests and healthy landscapes play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity, protecting soil, regulating water systems and supporting the livelihoods of communities.
By expanding tree cover and promoting environmental conservation, the initiative contributes to strengthening these natural foundations while addressing the degradation that makes communities and ecosystems more vulnerable to climate impacts.
Billene’s account also connected the initiative to the protection of Ethiopia’s coffee heritage. Coffee production depends heavily on suitable climatic conditions and healthy natural environments, making it increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change.
Conservation efforts, particularly watershed protection and the preservation of surrounding ecosystems, are therefore important not only for environmental sustainability but also for safeguarding agricultural livelihoods and a sector deeply rooted in the country’s identity.
This connection between environmental protection and economic sustainability illustrates why climate action cannot be separated from the protection of natural resources.
The health of forests, watersheds and agricultural landscapes has implications for food systems, rural livelihoods and the long-term resilience of communities.
Ethiopia’s approach seeks to address these interconnected challenges through environmental restoration as part of its broader development agenda.
The Green Legacy Initiative is also part of a wider national climate response that Billene presented in the context of Ethiopia’s participation at COP31.
The country’s efforts include expanding renewable energy through hydropower, wind and solar development, advancing green and climate-resilient urban development, and promoting initiatives that connect environmental protection with economic transformation.
Together, these areas reflect an approach that links climate action with the country’s development priorities.
Ethiopia’s pavilion at COP31 provides an international platform to present these experiences and engage partners on climate action.
Through its exhibitions and discussions, the pavilion showcases the country’s environmental initiatives, renewable energy development and efforts to build climate-resilient communities. It also serves as a space for strengthening cooperation as Ethiopia prepares to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027.
The experience accumulated through the Green Legacy Initiative gives Ethiopia a concrete national contribution to bring to international climate discussions.
Its relevance extends beyond the number of seedlings planted: it demonstrates the importance of sustained environmental restoration, ecosystem protection and the integration of climate resilience into national development.
As the global community confronts the persistent climate crisis, Ethiopia is bringing its experience to the collective effort to protect the planet’s natural systems and secure a more sustainable future.