Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative sets global example, say military attachés

Addis Ababa, July 16, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is serving as a model for other nations in the global fight against climate change, according to military attachés from various countries who participated in a tree-planting program in Addis Ababa today.

The seedling planting event, held at the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) Headquarters, was part of the broader Green Legacy campaign spearheaded by the Government of Ethiopia.

The event was attended by ENDF Chief of Staff Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, State Ministers of Defense, senior Ethiopian military officials, and foreign military attachés accredited to Ethiopia.

Brigadier General Chirspine Robert Phiri, Malawi’s military attaché to Ethiopia, praised Ethiopia’s leadership in environmental sustainability. Speaking to local news agency ENA, he said the Green Legacy Initiative provides a powerful lesson not only for Africa but for the entire world.

“Ethiopia is undertaking commendable work that sets a standard for others to emulate,” he said. “This initiative is a critical response to climate change and demonstrates what nations can achieve through unity and long-term vision.”

Colonel Marco Poddi, Italy’s military attaché to Ethiopia, emphasized the generational importance of the Green Legacy Initiative.

“This is a remarkable effort to ensure we pass on a greener, pollution-free planet to future generations,” he said. “Ethiopia’s action in this regard is not only timely but also globally significant.”

Echoing similar views, Colonel Fernando Mackenzie Jimo, Mozambique’s military attaché to Ethiopia and the African Union, noted that Ethiopia’s leadership in greening efforts is inspiring.

“The Green Legacy Initiative is a demonstration of responsible leadership. I hope more countries will follow Ethiopia’s example,” he said.

This year’s campaign, under the theme “Revival through Planting,” aims to plant 7.5 billion seedlings during the rainy season. The initiative is a flagship national effort launched in 2019, with more than 2.5 billion trees already planted as of mid-July 2025.