Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is delivering significant environmental and economic benefits by restoring watersheds, strengthening water resources, enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting sustainable development beyond the country’s borders, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said.
The Minister said the initiative, backed by scientific evidence, has improved water retention, reduced soil erosion, supported dam sustainability and contributed to increased agricultural productivity while also benefiting neighboring and downstream countries.
Speaking about the broader impact of the environmental restoration program, Habtamu emphasized the importance of exploring internationally recognized Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms to recognize investments made in protecting ecosystems that provide benefits beyond national boundaries.
He explained that the restoration of degraded watersheds has enabled more rainfall to infiltrate the soil rather than becoming destructive surface runoff, thereby improving groundwater recharge, reducing erosion and enhancing river flows.
The Minister said the government has scientifically verified the impact of the Green Legacy Initiative through satellite data and watershed studies conducted in several river basins, including the Upper Awash, Abay (Blue Nile) Basin and Hawassa catchment.
The studies have shown notable improvements in vegetation coverage, along with the revival of springs and streams that had previously disappeared due to deforestation.
Habtamu said areas once affected by severe land degradation have witnessed the return of water sources following large-scale reforestation efforts.
He added that increased vegetation coverage has also improved water quality by reducing sedimentation, as tree roots and ground cover help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
The reduced amount of sediment entering rivers and reservoirs has become increasingly important for Ethiopia’s hydropower infrastructure, according to the Minister.
He noted that improved watershed management allows dams to store more water, increases electricity generation capacity and extends the operational lifespan and safety of hydropower facilities.
The initiative is also contributing to agricultural transformation by improving dry-season water availability for irrigation, enabling communities to cultivate crops such as wheat, vegetables and fruits using more reliable rivers and springs, Habtamu said.
Beyond Ethiopia’s borders, the Minister said the Green Legacy Initiative is contributing to climate change mitigation through increased carbon sequestration while improving regional water availability.
He said Ethiopia’s watershed restoration efforts are helping neighboring countries by improving river flows and reducing flood risks.
According to Habtamu, nearly 30 percent of the more than 48 billion seedlings planted under the Green Legacy Initiative are located in the Abay, Baro and Tekeze river basins, which are among the country’s major transboundary water systems.
“These investments help regulate river flows during dry seasons while reducing flooding downstream,” he said.
The Minister noted that downstream countries, including Sudan and Egypt, also benefit from Ethiopia’s environmental restoration efforts, calling for greater international recognition of ecosystem services generated through such investments.
He stressed that Ethiopia is dedicating land, resources, time and labor to protect watersheds, creating environmental benefits with economic value that should be assessed under internationally accepted Payment for Ecosystem Services frameworks.
Habtamu emphasized that any future discussions on ecosystem compensation should be guided by scientific research, measurable evidence and international best practices, as rreported by local newswire service ENA..
He concluded that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has evolved beyond a tree-planting campaign into a comprehensive environmental restoration program that strengthens water security, supports food production, enhances renewable energy generation and contributes to regional environmental sustainability.