Addis Ababa, July 21, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has created critical opportunities for restoring ecosystems and providing safe habitats for wildlife, President Taye Atske-Selassie said.
The President made the remarks during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), held in Addis Ababa under the theme “60 Years for Ethiopia’s Wildlife.”
The event was attended by President Taye Atske-Selassie, former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, senior government officials, representatives of international organizations and invited guests.
President Taye said Ethiopia’s long-standing tradition of wildlife conservation, passed from generation to generation, has the potential to position the country as one of Africa’s leading nations in protecting natural heritage.
He noted that Ethiopia’s indigenous conservation practices represent a remarkable value that has been preserved through generations, adding that these traditions continue to complement modern conservation efforts.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s rich biodiversity, the President said the country’s unique wildlife and natural landscapes are among its greatest assets. He particularly expressed concern over the declining population of the Walia ibex, one of Ethiopia’s iconic endemic species, stressing that protecting it requires both national and global responsibility.
He called for stronger efforts to prevent damage to wildlife caused by harmful practices and outdated attitudes, urging collective action to safeguard Ethiopia’s natural treasures.
President Taye said significant measures have been taken in recent years to protect natural resources and maintain ecological balance, noting that the Green Legacy Initiative has played a major role in restoring degraded forests and water sources.
He said the initiative has already created habitats and shelters for wildlife species that had previously disappeared or migrated from certain areas, describing the achievement as a visible outcome recorded within a relatively short period.
The President commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his leadership in ensuring the success of the Green Legacy Initiative and its contribution to biodiversity conservation.
He also highlighted the progress made in revitalizing national parks by moving beyond traditional approaches and introducing new development and management practices.
According to President Taye, improving the safety and infrastructure of national parks is becoming increasingly important not only for wildlife conservation but also for attracting domestic and international visitors.
He added that urban parks being developed across the country are helping expand public awareness and understanding of wildlife conservation.
The President expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, partner organizations, communities living around conservation areas, researchers and scientists for their contributions over the past six decades.
In his remarks, President Taye also reflected on his personal connection with Ethiopia’s natural heritage, recalling his childhood experiences around the Simien Mountains and the efforts to preserve species such as the Walia ibex, Gelada baboon and Ethiopian wolf.
He said Ethiopia’s mountains, valleys, gorges and unique landscapes represent extraordinary natural assets capable of offering visitors experiences found nowhere else in the world.
The President recognized local communities living near protected areas as key guardians of Ethiopia’s natural heritage, noting that their commitment has been central to conservation achievements and to transforming natural resources into economic opportunities.
He also thanked scientific institutions, UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), partner countries and non-governmental organizations for their continued support.
President Taye invited global visitors and partners to join Ethiopia in discovering and promoting the country’s diverse natural landscapes and wildlife resources, saying these treasures have the potential to make Ethiopia one of the world’s unique destinations.