Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (FMC) — Millions of Ethiopians from all walks of life have mobilized since early dawn on Monday as the country launched a landmark nationwide campaign to plant 800 million tree seedlings in a single day under the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI).
Citizens across Ethiopia’s regions and cities are taking part in the massive environmental campaign, with communities, farmers, students, youth, women, government institutions, private sector actors and various stakeholders joining hands to contribute to one of the country’s largest coordinated green development actions.
The one-day planting campaign is being conducted at thousands of prepared sites across the country, marking another major milestone in Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to restore degraded landscapes, expand green coverage and strengthen climate resilience through collective action.
The nationwide mobilization demonstrates Ethiopia’s continued commitment to environmental restoration and reflects the growing participation of citizens in building a sustainable future through nature-based solutions.
The campaign is part of the #Green_Legacy Initiative, a national environmental restoration program launched in 2019 that has already enabled the planting of more than 48 billion seedlings across the country.
Through the initiative, Ethiopia has focused on restoring damaged ecosystems, protecting watersheds, improving soil health, increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening resilience against the impacts of climate change.
The seedlings being planted today include indigenous tree species, forest-development varieties, fruit-bearing trees and other plants selected for their ecological and economic value, contributing to biodiversity conservation, food security and green livelihood opportunities.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the campaign reflects Ethiopia’s approach of linking ecological restoration with economic transformation. The expansion of tree cover, fruit production, forestry activities and other green enterprises is creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods while supporting long-term development goals.
The campaign also contributes to protecting water resources by reducing soil erosion, improving water retention and supporting the sustainability of rivers, reservoirs and agricultural systems.
As climate change continues to affect communities and ecosystems worldwide, Ethiopia’s one-day 800 million seedling campaign highlights the power of collective action in advancing climate solutions and sustainable development.
The nationwide green mobilization stands as another defining moment in #Ethiopia’s Green Legacy journey, demonstrating how millions of individual contributions can combine to create a lasting environmental legacy for present and future generations.