Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has hailed Ethiopia’s record-breaking Green Legacy achievement, saying the successful planting of 805.3 million seedlings by 26.2 million citizens within 12 hours demonstrates the country’s capacity for collective action and sets an example for Africa.
The Prime Minister made the remarks following the conclusion of today’s nationwide one-day Green Legacy Initiative planting campaign, during which Ethiopians from all walks of life participated in planting more than 805 million seedlings, surpassing the target of 800 million seedlings set for the 12-hour exercise.
He commended the Ethiopian people for their massive voluntary participation, describing the milestone as a historic accomplishment that shows what can be achieved through unity, shared responsibility, and collective commitment.
The Prime Minister said the success of today’s campaign demonstrates that Ethiopia can move beyond aspirations and translate ambitious plans into practical achievements through collective action.
He noted that the participation of more than 26 million citizens in the planting campaign reflects the strength of national solidarity and a shared commitment to creating a greener future for generations to come.
The achievement also marked a new record in Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, surpassing the previous one-day planting record of more than 714 million seedlings achieved during last year’s campaign.
Prime Minister Abiy said the success of the campaign has positioned Ethiopia as an example for Africa, demonstrating the potential of large-scale community participation in addressing environmental challenges and advancing climate resilience.
During today’s 12-hour nationwide campaign, more than 291,400 hectares of land were covered with seedlings, according to the Prime Minister.
He further announced that 6.5 billion seedlings have so far been planted since the beginning of this year’s Green Legacy planting season, while the remaining 1.5 billion seedlings are expected to be planted in the coming months to achieve the annual target of over 8 billion seedlings.
Launched in 2019, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has become a flagship environmental restoration program aimed at expanding forest cover, rehabilitating degraded landscapes, improving livelihoods, and strengthening climate resilience.
The latest milestone comes as Ethiopia advances preparations to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32), reinforcing the country’s commitment to global climate action and sustainable development.