Green Legacy Initiative Expands Forest Cover, Strengthens Food Security: Government Communication Service

Addis Ababa, July 15, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is delivering tangible results in expanding forest coverage and enhancing national food security, according to the Government Communication Service.

The latest phase of the initiative was officially launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on June 27, 2025, under the theme “Revival through Planting.”

In support of the campaign, staff and leadership from the Government Communication Service, Ethiopian Palace Administration, and the Ethiopian Communications Authority participated in a tree-planting event at Melkassa Palace.

Speaking on the occasion, State Minister of Government Communication Service Tesfahun Gobezay highlighted that Ethiopia’s forest cover, which had previously suffered significant decline, is now showing marked recovery due to the Green Legacy Initiative. He emphasized that the seedlings planted are not only contributing to reforestation but also playing a crucial role in boosting food security.

Echoing this sentiment, fellow State Minister Kebede Desisa recalled the environmental challenges Ethiopia has faced, including deforestation, land degradation, and drought. He noted that the Green Legacy Initiative was introduced to address these pressing issues in a sustainable manner.

Director-General of the Ethiopian Palace Administration, Mitku Deresa, underlined the initiative’s role in greening the country and building resilience to climate change.

Director-General of the Ethiopian Communications Authority, Balcha Reba, also affirmed the initiative’s contribution to improving food security, managing water resources, and conserving biodiversity, ENA reported.

This year, the Green Legacy Initiative aims to plant a total of 7.5 billion seedlings across the country.