Addis Ababa, July 31, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) declared that Ethiopia’s effort to plant 700 million seedlings in a single day represents the world’s largest single-day tree planting achievement.
Prime Minister Abiy officially launched this year’s one-day planting campaign early this morning in Jimma Zone, where he planted seedlings alongside First Lady Zinash Tayachew, Oromia Regional President Shimelis Abdisa, and other senior federal and regional officials.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister noted that approximately 8 billion seedlings will be planted during this year’s Green Legacy Initiative, marking the seventh year since its inception in 2019. This year’s effort will bring the total number of seedlings planted under the initiative to 48 billion.
“The Green Legacy Initiative aims to plant 50 billion seedlings, and today’s campaign demonstrates that Ethiopia is capable of achieving great things,” the Prime Minister said.
He emphasized that citizens from all walks of life are contributing to this historic effort, united by a shared vision of sustainable development and prosperity.
“We have reaped numerous benefits through these green footprints, including improved food security from our neighbors,” Prime Minister Abiy added.
Calling on all Ethiopians to take part and leave their mark on history, the Prime Minister said, “The history of Ethiopia is changing, and today each citizen can be part of this transformation.”
The one-day campaign continues today across Ethiopia, aiming to plant 700 million trees by 6:00 p.m. local time.
Today, the world is experiencing the impacts of climate change like never before. From extreme heatwaves to destructive floods, the warning signs are everywhere. In the Horn of Africa, countries like Ethiopia are especially vulnerable, facing recurring droughts, flash floods, and severe land degradation.
Amid these challenges, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative stands out as a beacon of hope. Launched six years ago, the ambitious program has resulted in planting over 40 billion trees nationwide. But it is more than just numbers — it is a powerful example of what can be achieved when an entire nation unites around a shared vision for the future.
The initiative aims to restore degraded lands, increase biodiversity, reduce deforestation, and raise public awareness on the vital role trees play in conserving the environment, preserving soil, and strengthening climate resilience.
Ethiopia’s bold efforts have inspired regional action, with neighboring countries like Kenya launching their own large-scale tree-planting programs. Furthermore, Ethiopia has begun supplying seedlings to neighboring countries such as Djibouti and South Sudan, fostering collaboration in the fight against climate change across the region.
Today’s planting of 700 million trees in a single day is not only a major environmental milestone but also a symbol of national pride, resilience, and commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. It represents a crucial step toward ensuring long-term food security and ecological stability for generations to come.