Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is demonstrating how large-scale ecosystem restoration can contribute to water security by protecting watersheds, strengthening water sources, and improving the sustainability of vital natural resources.
Beyond increasing green coverage, the initiative has become a nationwide effort linking forest restoration with the protection of rivers, springs, groundwater systems, and water infrastructure.
Since its launch in 2019, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has grown into one of Africa’s most ambitious environmental restoration programs, mobilizing millions of citizens every year to plant and nurture seedlings as part of a long-term effort to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen ecological resilience.
The initiative has maintained a growing momentum through successive annual campaigns. Ethiopia planted about 4 billion seedlings in 2019, followed by more than 5 billion in 2020, over 6 billion in 2021, more than 6 billion in 2022, about 7 billion in 2023, and more than 7 billion in 2024. In 2025, the country continued the expansion of the Green Legacy campaign, contributing to the cumulative planting of more than 48 billion seedlings by the end of the year.
These successive restoration efforts have created a foundation for expanded green coverage, improved ecosystem protection, and strengthened climate resilience, while positioning Ethiopia’s Green Legacy as one of the world’s largest community-based environmental restoration initiatives.
In 2026, Ethiopia has set a target of planting more than 8 billion seedlings as part of its continued commitment to green development and climate action. Today, millions of Ethiopians from all walks of life are participating in a nationwide one-day campaign aimed at planting 800 million seedlings, marking another major milestone in the country’s environmental restoration journey.
Over the past years, seedlings planted through the Green Legacy Initiative have contributed to restoring degraded landscapes, reducing soil erosion, preserving soil fertility, and strengthening watershed ecosystems across different parts of Ethiopia.
The restoration of watersheds has helped improve water infiltration into the ground, contributing to the recovery of natural springs, wells, and rivers, while supporting the availability and sustainability of water resources.
According to the Ministry of Water and Energy, studies conducted in the watersheds of the Abay, Awash, and other major river basins have confirmed the contribution of ecosystem restoration efforts to improving water resource management.
The initiative has also supported efforts to reduce flood risks during rainy seasons and strengthen soil and water conservation, demonstrating the connection between environmental restoration and climate resilience.
The recovery of Lake Haramaya is among the examples highlighting Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts in ecological restoration and watershed development.
Through strengthening watershed protection, the Green Legacy Initiative is also contributing to safeguarding dams and improving the sustainability of water resources essential for agriculture, energy generation, and community livelihoods.
Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative has created economic opportunities by supporting agricultural productivity, including fruit and vegetable production, while contributing to broader green economic development.
The progress achieved through the Green Legacy Initiative has also become part of Ethiopia’s wider climate action agenda as the country prepares to host COP32 in 2027. The global climate conference is expected to provide a platform for Ethiopia to share its experience in ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions with the international community.
As preparations continue toward COP32, Ethiopia plans to further strengthen green development activities, including restoration, urban cleanliness, and sustainable infrastructure efforts throughout the year.
The Green Legacy Initiative continues to highlight the role of forests not only in environmental protection but also in strengthening water security, supporting livelihoods, and advancing sustainable development in an era of growing global climate challenges.