ADDIS ABABA — The National Green Legacy Initiative Technical Committee has completed preparations for Ethiopia’s annual nationwide tree planting event, set for August 23, 2024, aiming to set a new record by planting 600 million tree seedlings in a single night.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Getachew Gizaw, speaking to ENA, the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has rallied Ethiopians to surpass the previous year’s record and demonstrate their dedication to environmental conservation and future generations. He has called on adults and teenagers to participate actively by planting over 20 and more than 10 saplings each, respectively. Meticulous planning has ensured that detailed assessments of planting locations, sapling types, and quantities are ready for the event.

The initiative is strategically designed to integrate food production with reforestation, focusing on mixed agriculture to maximize land use and benefit. Getachew highlighted that planting areas have been precisely mapped to the sub-basin level, and robust data management systems are in place to track progress and maintain accurate records. The Deputy Chairman stressed the importance of community involvement in this significant environmental campaign.

This year’s effort builds on the success of the previous Green Legacy programs, where over 566 million saplings were planted, contributing to the substantial increase in Ethiopia’s forest cover from 17.2 percent in 2019 to 23.6 percent by 2023. The annual tree planting initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has become a pivotal movement in restoring Ethiopia’s forests and protecting its water resources.