The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has awarded Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) as a successful national model in sustainable forest management. The award ceremony took place in Rome, Italy, on Thursday (October 16).
Ethiopia’s GLI was selected by FAO from among many national submissions as the most impactful initiative demonstrating how developing countries can combat climate change and achieve food security through domestic resources and grassroots mobilization.
On the occasion, Minister Selamawit Kassa hailed the GLI as a triumph of collective action, stating, “This is not only a story of environmental breakthrough but also of national unity,” emphasizing the transformative power of millions of Ethiopians coming together for a shared national cause.
The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) also received the FAO Achievement Award 2025 in recognition of its decade-long contribution to achieving wheat self-sufficiency and transforming Ethiopia’s agricultural system. Mandefro Nigussie, CEO of ATI, said, “This recognition is not only an honor but also a call to do more. ATI stands ready to continue working hand in hand with our partners to scale innovations, empower women and youth, and build a resilient agricultural system.”
Launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative has evolved into a nationwide movement aimed at tackling climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Since its launch, the program has engaged millions of citizens, including young people and communities, managed to plant 48 billion tree seedlings. This massive undertaking has yielded significant environmental improvements. In less than eight years, Ethiopia’s forest coverage has increased from 17.2 to 23.6 percent, significantly reversing decades of environmental degradation and deforestation.
This progress represents a substantial step toward the country’s goal of planting 50 billion trees by 2030 and restoring 22 million hectares of degraded land. These efforts showcase the nation’s practical and meaningful contribution to global climate action and its commitment to enhancing natural carbon sinks.
Beyond its environmental impact, the GLI has generated major socio-economic benefits by creating thousands of jobs for young people and women in areas ranging from seedling propagation to forest management. It has also contributed to food security and self-sufficiency by promoting the planting of fruit-bearing trees such as avocado, mango, and papaya, improving the livelihoods of farmers.
The award is a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to building a climate-resilient economy and achieving sustainable development. It also reinforces Ethiopia’s role as a leading advocate for a holistic and integrated approach to climate change, food security, and job creation. This year’s FAO recognition of the GLI and ATI, coupled with the Agricola Medal awarded to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in January 2024, highlights the government’s consistent commitment to addressing the long-standing challenge of food security.