Climate change is a big challenge we face today. It’s impacting ecosystems around the world, including Ethiopia. In response, Ethiopia launched the Green Legacy Campaign in 2019 under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This ambitious initiative aims to combat deforestation and environmental degradation by planting trees—over 40 billion in just six years!
Historically, Ethiopia was once covered by forests that stretched over 35% of its land. But due to deforestation and other factors, that number dropped to less than 15% by 2019. This drastic change has led to serious issues like soil erosion, reduced water resources, and increased susceptibility to droughts and floods.
The Green Legacy Campaign has led to significant progress, raising forest cover to about 23.5%, according to the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority in 2023. The campaign does more than just plant trees; it also aims to restore degraded land and protect watersheds. This is essential since agriculture is vital for Ethiopia’s economy and is highly vulnerable to climate variations.
Moreover, trees play a critical role in climate change mitigation. They absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and help regulate temperatures. The campaign aligns with Ethiopia’s broader Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy and complies with the Paris Agreement, showcasing Ethiopia’s commitment to global climate action.
A key aspect of the campaign is community involvement. Each year, millions of Ethiopians, including farmers, students, and civil servants, participate in tree-planting events. This collective action fosters a strong sense of responsibility for the environment. Additionally, local communities benefit economically from nursery management and long-term tree care, highlighting the link between environmental restoration and livelihoods.
However, challenges remain. Critics point out that not all planted trees survive, and monitoring them can be tough. There’s also concern about using non-native species, like eucalyptus, which can harm local water resources. To address these issues, Ethiopia could focus more on native tree species and strengthen monitoring efforts. Providing financial support for communities to nurture young trees would also help.
The Green Legacy Campaign sets a positive example for climate resilience. It helps Ethiopia better handle droughts, floods, and other environmental challenges. The campaign also supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including Climate Action and Life on Land.
In a world facing rising temperatures, protecting the environment is crucial for survival. The Green Legacy Campaign highlights this crucial connection. Moving forward, Ethiopia should prioritize native tree species and community-led maintenance while partnering with NGOs for effective monitoring. Citizen-led initiatives like this can create meaningful change, not just for Ethiopia but as a model for countries worldwide.
Research shows that community involvement can significantly increase the success rates of similar tree-planting initiatives. A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that engaging local people in environmental projects leads to more sustainable outcomes.
Ultimately, as the world warms, the commitment to environmental resilience remains vital. The steps taken through the Green Legacy Campaign could ultimately pave the way for a healthier planet.
