Over 6 Billion seedlings readied so far for upcoming Green Legacy tree planting campaign

Addis Ababa, April 11, 2025 (FMC) — The Ministry of Agriculture of Ethiopia (MOA) said that over six billion tree seedlings have so far been prepared in nurseries for this year Green Legacy initiative tree planting campaign.

Fanose Mekonnen, Lead Executive Officer of the Ministry’s Natural Resources Development, Conservation, and Utilization sector, stated that this year’s preparation is being implemented in a more comprehensive and coordinated manner than ever before.

He explained that more than 40 billion seedlings have been planted over the past six years through the initiative.

This year, the Ministry aims to prepare 7.5 billion seedlings, he stated.

He further elaborated of the six billion seedlings prepared so far this year, 40 percent is allocated to forest development, while the remaining 60 percent is intended to plant species for improving soil fertility, producing animal fodder, and cultivating fruit plants.

Planting seedlings will begin this month in regions which are receiving rainfall and suitable for saplings growth, he said.

According to Fanose, the Green Legacy Initiative has played a crucial role in boosting environmental conservation efforts, notably increasing Ethiopia’s forest coverage from 17.2 to 23.6 percent, emphasizing its impact on soil and water conservation, and the planting campaign will be enhanced by the strong community participation during the rainy season.

The green initiative has helped reduce soil erosion and created employment opportunities, he added, indicating that it also supports food security efforts by encouraging the cultivation of fruit-bearing plants.

Ethiopia has also shared its success stories with other countries, contributing to the global climate change mitigation efforts.