Green Legacy Initiative Driving Climate Resilience, Food Security and Sustainable Development Across Ethiopian Regions: Chief Administrators

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (FMC) — Regional chief administrators across Ethiopia have highlighted the growing contribution of the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) to environmental restoration, climate resilience, agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable livelihoods as millions of citizens participated in the nationwide campaign to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day.

The regional leaders, who took part in the massive tree-planting campaign in their respective areas, said the initiative has evolved beyond environmental protection into a broad-based development effort delivering economic and social benefits to communities.

Oromia Region Chief Administrator Shimelis Abdisa said the Green Legacy Initiative has strengthened environmental conservation efforts while contributing to increased productivity and food security.

Participating in the planting campaign in Fentale Woreda of East Shewa Zone, Shimelis said tangible results have been recorded through the initiative, including expansion of forest coverage and improvements in agricultural productivity.

He noted that more than 28 billion seedlings have been planted in Oromia over the past years, contributing to an increase in forest coverage from 17 percent to more than 29 percent in the region.

Amhara Region Chief Administrator Arega Kebede said the Green Legacy Initiative is strengthening not only forest coverage but also household incomes and development activities.

Taking part in the campaign in Kalu Woreda of South Wollo Zone, Arega said the initiative has contributed to reducing the impacts of climate change, restoring the relationship between people and nature, and supporting food security.

He added that the expansion of mango, papaya, coffee and avocado production through Green Legacy efforts is helping strengthen market-oriented economic activities, while soil conservation, improved fertility, water resource development and reduced drought impacts are generating visible results.

Central Ethiopia Regional State Chief Administrator Endashaw Tasew said the Green Legacy Initiative has created a shared national narrative of unity and collective action.

Speaking after participating in the planting campaign in Kebena Special Woreda, Endashaw said the seedlings being planted serve multiple purposes, including food production, beautification and industrial inputs.

He noted that previous Green Legacy activities have contributed to increased rainfall, reduced vulnerability to climate-related challenges and strengthened community participation.

Gambella Regional State Chief Administrator Alemitu Umud said the initiative is contributing not only to climate balance but also to building an industry-led economy.

She said Green Legacy activities have helped transform degraded lands, restore ecosystems and reduce soil erosion, while supporting economic development through the cultivation of plants with food and industrial value.

Southwest Ethiopia Peoples’ Region Chief Administrator Negash Wagesho said the initiative is playing an important role in climate resilience, soil conservation, improving fertility and ensuring food security.

He said the region planted 25 million seedlings during the one-day campaign and stressed the importance of properly caring for planted seedlings to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.

South Ethiopia Regional State Chief Administrator Tilahun Kebede said tree planting efforts are aimed at handing over a better and more prosperous country to future generations.

He said Green Legacy activities are helping Ethiopia combat climate change, strengthen food security and gain global recognition for its environmental efforts, while encouraging citizens to make tree planting part of their culture.

Harari Regional State Chief Administrator Ordin Bedri said the Green Legacy Initiative has contributed to restoring degraded areas, preventing soil erosion, increasing production and productivity, and creating employment opportunities.

He said the initiative has become a symbol of citizen cooperation and solidarity, adding that maintaining and caring for seedlings after planting is essential to achieving lasting results.

Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State Chief Administrator Ashadli Hasen said the region launched a campaign to plant 15 million seedlings in a single day as part of the nationwide effort.

He said previous Green Legacy activities have improved green coverage, strengthened soil and water conservation, supported climate resilience, and contributed to agricultural and livestock development, generating sustainable economic and social benefits for communities.

The regional leaders also emphasized that the success of the Green Legacy Initiative depends on continued public participation and proper maintenance of planted seedlings to ensure their survival.

Launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Green Legacy Initiative has become one of Ethiopia’s flagship climate and environmental restoration programs, with billions of seedlings planted nationwide to combat land degradation, expand forest coverage and enhance climate resilience.