FDRE Ministry of Agriculture

Green Legacy

Special Initiatives>Green Legacy

Ethiopia’s forest coverage declined dramatically from an estimated 40% to just 3% by the late 1990s, driven by unsustainable land-use practices, deforestation, poor resource management, and overgrazing. This environmental degradation has led to severe biodiversity loss, reduced agricultural productivity, shrinking water bodies, and heightened vulnerability to drought, flooding, and food insecurity.

Recognizing these challenges, Ethiopia has made the protection and sustainable management of natural resources a national priority. Building a green economy now stands at the center of the government’s development agenda. In 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the Green Legacy Initiative was launched. This ambitious program aims to restore ecosystems, combat deforestation and soil erosion, expand forest coverage, and improve air and water quality, while also creating millions of jobs.

Since its inception, the initiative has mobilized citizens across all age groups and sectors, including the national defense and security forces. Each year, billions of seedlings are planted during the rainy season. The results were remarkable:

*2019: 4.7 billion seedlings (surpassing the target of 4 billion)
*2020: 5.9 billion
*2021: 6.8 billion
*2022: 7.2 billion
*2023:7.5 billion
*2024: 7.5 billion
*2025: 8 billion seedlings

For the current year, the plan is to plant 7.5 billion seedlings, contributing toward the overall target of 50 billion seedlings. This makes Ethiopia one of the world’s leading nations in implementing large-scale, sustainable natural resource development.

The Green Legacy Initiative has introduced a diverse mix of seedlings, including fruit trees, fodder plants, fuel wood, and ornamental species to enhance urban landscapes. Beyond its national impact, the program has attracted global recognition as a model for climate action. Neighboring countries have joined the fight against desertification, with Ethiopia supplying Djibouti and others with multipurpose seedlings.

In essence, the Green Legacy Initiative is more than a reforestation campaign it is a transformative, multifaceted program that strengthens Ethiopia’s resilience to climate change, boosts agricultural productivity, and inspires international collaboration. Looking ahead, the initiative will continue with renewed focus and coordination, further expanding the green economy and ensuring sustainable development for generations to come.