ADDIS ABABA — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that as Ethiopia progresses into its Green Legacy season, public enthusiasm for tree planting is high, with efforts already off to a strong start to meet the country's ambitious targets. The Prime Minister made these comments while planting apple trees in Chaka, noting the significant changes in the area, which had previously been filled with eucalyptus trees.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, these eucalyptus trees have been removed to allow for traditional terracing practices. "People from Harar and Konso have brought their timeless skill and practice of terracing to help with soil preservation," he said. Abiy emphasized the importance of intensifying the Green Legacy initiative within cities to increase Addis Ababa's green coverage, balancing urban development with environmental sustainability.

Over the past five years, Ethiopia has undertaken extensive tree planting activities, with 32.5 billion tree seedlings planted to date. The goal for this year is to reach 40 billion seedlings, moving towards an overall target of 50 billion. This planting cycle aims to plant 7.5 billion seedlings.