Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched this year’s one-day tree planting campaign, with a target of planting 700 million saplings, on Thursday (July 31) at Abajifar Palace in Jimma. Held under the theme “Renewal Through Planting,” the campaign mobilized millions of Ethiopians across the country in a historic effort to set a global record.
The Prime Minister hailed the initiative as a remarkable achievement and underscored its significance as the largest single-day tree-planting campaign in the world. He noted that approximately eight billion seedlings are expected to be planted as part of this year’s Green Legacy drive, further cementing Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the initiative, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the Green Legacy is a testament to Ethiopia’s ability to unite, plan strategically, and achieve extraordinary goals. He stated that the participation of millions of citizens across all sectors of society demonstrates a deep-rooted commitment to the nation’s shared vision of resilience and prosperity.
The Prime Minister further remarked that the Green Legacy campaign stands alongside the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as one of the country’s monumental national undertakings. By reversing deforestation, curbing land degradation, and mitigating climate change, the initiative is not only addressing environmental challenges but also enhancing food security and combating poverty.
Over the past six years, Ethiopia has planted more than 40 billion seedlings, positioning itself as a model for environmental restoration on the African continent. If this year’s target is met, the cumulative number of trees planted since the launch of the Green Legacy Initiative will reach 48 billion, bringing the nation within reach of its ambitious 50 billion target.
In his social media post at the conclusion of the campaign, Prime Minister Abiy remarked, “Today, Ethiopians have once again shown that incredible things are possible when we come together. Our ambitious goal to plant 700 million trees in a single day has not only been met, it has surpassed expectations.”
He praised the broad participation from all corners of society, including public and private institutions, international organizations, embassies, and individuals of all ages. “Green Legacy is becoming a proud Ethiopian tradition,” he said. “It is transforming the landscape of our country, rewriting our environmental legacy, and contributing to the greening of the planet.”
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to coordinators, volunteers, and all who took part, Ethiopians at home and abroad, and friends of Ethiopia, for their enthusiastic participation. “Planting is not just about trees; it’s about creating shade and hope for future generations,” he concluded.