A Nationwide Push Toward Ecological Renewal
Ethiopia has launched one of the world’s most ambitious environmental initiatives, aiming to plant 700 million trees in a single day as part of its larger Green Legacy project. The campaign, now in its seventh year, is a flagship program spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with the ultimate goal of planting 50 billion trees by 2026.
Key Figures Behind the Mission
- Date Launched: July 31, 2025
- Single-Day Target: 700 million seedlings
- Campaign Total Goal: 50 billion trees by 2026
- Trees Planted Since 2019: Over 40 billion
- 2025 Target Alone: 7.5 billion
- Public Participation: Over 14.9 million people (official estimate)
A Vision That Began in 2019
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed introduced the Green Legacy Initiative in 2019 to fight environmental degradation, promote climate resilience, and encourage sustainable land use. By mid-morning on Thursday, 355 million seedlings had already been planted, according to government sources. Abiy Ahmed himself took part in the effort from Jimma, urging nationwide unity through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
From Cities to Countryside: Citizens Join Hands
Tree planting stations appeared across both urban and rural Ethiopia, stretching from Addis Ababa to the highlands of Oromia and Amhara. Public institutions were closed for the day to encourage civic participation, and government leaders were dispatched to mobilize efforts regionally.
Notable participants included:
- Almaz Tadu, a 72-year-old grandmother who joined with her grandchildren.
- Nathenael Behailu, a 13-year-old student planting for the third time.
- Ayanaw Asrat, an Addis Ababa resident who planted 15 trees by mid-morning.
“Planting trees is more than duty—it’s a source of pride,” said Asrat.
Ecologists Sound the Alarm on Execution
Despite the enthusiasm, experts have voiced critical concerns about the campaign’s scientific validity. Dr. Kitessa Hundera, a forest ecologist at Jimma University, emphasized the following:
- Limited oversight on seedling quality and planting techniques
- Poor distinction between native and exotic species
- Lack of monitoring for seedling survival
- Ambitious targets that may exceed logistical capabilities
Dr. Hundera noted that achieving 700 million trees in a day would require over 35 million active participants planting at least 20 trees each—an estimate he says is not feasible without advanced planning and infrastructure.
Strategic Goals for a Sustainable Future
The campaign aligns with broader national goals aimed at:
- Combatting climate change
- Reducing soil erosion
- Improving water retention and drought resilience
- Promoting carbon absorption
- Reviving degraded ecosystems
Officials believe Ethiopia can set a continental standard in environmental leadership through massive civic engagement.
Ambition Meets Scrutiny
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy is bold in scope and grounded in urgent environmental realities. Yet while it continues to attract global attention, experts are calling for better ecological planning, follow-up strategies, and transparency regarding survival rates. Whether the 700-million milestone is achieved or not, the campaign reflects a growing national commitment to green transformation.