Harar’s Green Legacy tied to tourism and economic revival, Deputy PM affirms

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh underscored Harar’s place as both a city of heritage and a future hub of sustainable development, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing the Green Legacy Initiative during his visit to the historic city this week.

Temesgen joined residents in Harar’s Dire Teyara Wereda to plant multi-purpose seedlings, stressing that the ongoing national tree-planting drive is inseparable from the city’s cultural identity and economic aspirations. He described the initiative as part of a “journey of resurgence” that aligns environmental restoration with Harar’s tourism and development potential.

“It is the duty of this generation to make Harar greener while preserving its historical significance,” the Deputy Prime Minister said, adding that the vision is to make the city “not only a place of history and heritage but also a living museum of sustainable green development.”

He further emphasized that the responsibility goes beyond planting trees, calling for long-term care and nurturing to ensure the survival and growth of the seedlings.

The Deputy Prime Minister is currently visiting Dire Dawa and Harar, where his engagements focus on strengthening environmental protection, economic revitalization, and community participation in Ethiopia’s broader Green Legacy campaign.