Addis Ababa, June 2, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has prepared 8.4 billion tree seedlings across the country for this year’s Green Legacy planting campaign, surpassing the initial target, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

In an exclusive interview with Fana Media Corporation, Mr. Shanko Tessa, Head of the Watershed Development Desk at the Ministry, revealed that the original plan was to plant 7.5 billion seedlings nationwide. However, preparations have exceeded expectations, with 8.4 billion seedlings now ready for planting.

He noted that the campaign aims to cover 1.9 million hectares of land, of which 1.5 million hectares have already been identified as suitable planting sites. Detailed planting maps have been developed for over 492,000 hectares within these designated areas.

Addis Ababa, June 1, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative, which has been instrumental to foster green economy, provides valuable experiences for other nations, British Embassy Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Climate and Nature Lead, Nina Hissen-Wright stated.

Nina said that this initiative does not only aim to enhance urban infrastructure but also seeks to promote sustainable practices that contribute to environmental conservation while fostering economic growth.

She added Ethiopia’s commitment to building a green economy is clearly evident in the ongoing corridor development projects in Addis Ababa and other cities in the country.

Addis Ababa, May 31, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s newly established Green Legacy and Landscape Restoration Special Fund is setting a precedent in public financing for environmental restoration, according to the World Resources Institute (WRI).

The fund, which allocates between 0.5% and 1% of Ethiopia’s annual federal budget — equivalent to approximately $40 to $80 million — is aimed at restoring degraded landscapes across the country. The House of Peoples’ Representatives approved the fund on December 24, 2024, making Ethiopia one of the first countries to institutionalize national budget allocations for large-scale restoration.

Addis Ababa, May 11, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has been urged to broaden the reach of its Green Legacy Initiative by continuing of sharing its experience with other countries and incorporating the program into its diplomatic efforts.

Ambassador Dina Mufti, a member of the House of People’s Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs, emphasized that the Green Legacy Initiative presents an opportunity to build additional capacity in the diplomacy sector.

He noted that Ethiopia’s success in the initiative enhances its international image and advised that the country leverage its leadership in the area to strengthen its global standing.

Addis Ababa, April 21, 2025 (FMC) — A tree-planting ceremony was held at the University of Sialkot on Monday as part of the “Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity under Green Legacy” initiative.

The event aimed not only to plant various saplings but also to strengthen the bond of brotherhood between Ethiopia and Pakistan, according to a press release from the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad.

The plantation drive was led by Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan, Jemal Beker Abdula, alongside University of Sialkot Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Khaleeq ur Rehman and Chairman Faisal Manzoor.

Addis Ababa, April 4, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD) has announced that the East African nation has signed a 70 million USD memorandum of understandings with various countries and international institutions for carbon trading.

Director-General of EFD Mr. Kebede Yimam told Fana Media Corporation that efforts made on green development strategy have contributed to the progress in the implementation of carbon trading.

Highlighting the efforts undertaken so far, the Director-General said MOUs have been signed with various countries and international organizations, including the World Bank, to generate revenue worth 70 million USD through carbon trading.

Addis Ababa, March 31, 2025 (FMC) — Girma Amente, the Minister of Agriculture, highlighted that Ethiopia is entering a new era of transformation, fueled by the significant successes in the agricultural sector following nationwide reforms.

Minister Girma stated that agricultural reforms have established a foundation for structural transformation.

He noted the successful expansion of cluster farming, mechanized agriculture, and year-round cultivation, shifting away from rain-dependent practices, adding these initiatives have significantly increased production and productivity, driving a transformative period for Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, March 28, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia plans to promote its Green Legacy Initiative (#GLI) as a model for regional environmental change, leveraging its positive impacts across Africa through policy measures.

GLI Technical Committee Chairman Adefris Worku stated the initiative has significantly improved Ethiopia’s environmental image and bolstered climate change mitigation efforts.

During the celebration of the 14th International Day of Forests in Addis Ababa held under the theme “Forests and Food”, he emphasized that the initiative aims to achieve goals including maximizing the country’s national green coverage and raise active participation of the society in the national reforestation campaigns.

Addis Ababa, March 8, 2025 (FMC) — A six-month national pollution prevention campaign will be launched in the near future, Director General of the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Ms. Lelise Neme, announced.

Lelise told local news agency ENA that protecting the environment requires collective action across all sections of the society.

The second anti-pollution campaign will be held under the theme: “Making cleaning and greening Ethiopia a culture”, the director general added.