Addis Ababa, August 1, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s ambitious Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is delivering impressive environmental outcomes, with new research showing that planting even a single tree can lead to the sprouting of multiple indigenous species and the restoration of entire ecosystems.
Launched in 2019 as a homegrown response to climate change, land degradation, and food insecurity, the Green Legacy Initiative has evolved into a powerful driver of ecological recovery in Ethiopia and beyond.
A recent study conducted by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT—hosted by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Ethiopia—revealed that the planting of one tree species has, in many instances, triggered the natural regeneration of over ten local tree varieties. The findings also highlight significant gains in reversing land degradation and reviving wildlife habitats.
“We’ve implemented this project across five regions,” said Project Coordinator Dejene Kassahun. “Our documentation shows that in areas where a single tree species was planted, more than ten native species naturally regenerated. This shows how impactful one tree can be.”
The research team also documented notable improvements in water resources and the return of migratory animals to rehabilitated areas. Species such as the Colobus guereza and Gray Birds, once displaced, are now reappearing in their original habitats, a direct result of GLI-driven environmental recovery.
“Green Legacy is making a real difference,” Dejene noted. “We’re seeing degraded lands reclaimed, biodiversity revived, and wildlife returning. The benefits are diverse and far-reaching.”
Beyond ecological restoration, the study also evaluated the broader ecosystem services emerging from the campaign. These include temperature regulation, scenic enhancement, and the preservation of cultural and spiritual heritage. Many local communities now rely on the planted trees not only for environmental protection but also for cultural rituals and traditional conflict resolution.
Complementing these findings, a separate study by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that GLI has played a major role in reducing soil erosion. Previously, the country was losing an estimated 1.9 billion tonnes of fertile soil annually—now, that trend is being reversed thanks to widespread reforestation efforts.
The growing body of evidence reinforces the Green Legacy Initiative’s status as a transformative environmental campaign, demonstrating how grassroots action can yield profound and measurable ecological impacts, as reported by ENA. Currently, average losses have decreased to 208 million tonnes due to the Green Legacy Initiative, which aids in preserving farmland and preventing siltation in dams, as reported by the ministry.