By Ayele Addis Ambelu (ayeleradio@gmail.com)
Ethiopia has made history by planting over 615.7 million saplings in just one day, surpassing the initial target of 600 million. This monumental achievement is a critical milestone in Ethiopia’s Green Footprint program, which aims to combat climate change, restore degraded lands, and ensure food security for future generations. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s inspiring leadership has galvanized a nation, uniting citizens of all ages in a common cause to rejuvenate the environment.
“All Ethiopians set out to plant 600 million saplings from sunrise to sunset today. Refusing to let the sun set without achieving our goal, we surpassed it, planting an astounding 615.7 million saplings by the end of the day,” declared Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in a stirring address. His words captured the day’s spirit as millions of Ethiopians, from children to the elderly, participated in this historic effort, embodying resilience, hope, and a commitment to the land.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this achievement was not merely about numbers but about the collective will of a nation. “Children have planted their hope. Young people have demonstrated their resilience. The elderly have left a legacy,” he said, highlighting the participation of 29.1 million citizens who planted saplings across 318.4 hectares of geospatially mapped locations. This vast mobilization reflects a deep-rooted cultural connection to the land and a shared determination to address the country’s pressing environmental challenges.
Ethiopia’s Green Footprint program is a bold response to the devastating effects of deforestation, soil degradation, and climate change. Over the past five years, the program has planted 40 billion saplings, with this year alone accounting for 7.5 billion. The initiative is about planting trees and fostering a sustainable relationship with the environment. The program’s success is built on meticulous planning, with geospatial mapping ensuring that the right saplings are planted in the right locations to maximize survival rates and ecological benefits.
Research conducted by the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture has shown that reforestation is critical to reversing the trend of soil degradation, which affects 85% of the country’s agricultural land. Studies indicate that Ethiopia’s forest cover has declined to just 3%, making reforestation efforts like the Green Footprint program essential for climate resilience and food security. The Ministry’s data also reveals that the program has provided significant economic benefits, creating nursery jobs, planting, and maintenance jobs, particularly for the youth.
The success of the Green Footprint program has been driven by the dedication of millions of Ethiopians. In an interview with Youth Yahune Mohamed, General Secretary of the Addis Ababa Youth Association, he expressed the pride and responsibility felt by the younger generation: “This is not just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope for the future. We are committed to ensuring these saplings grow into forests that will protect our land and our people for generations.”
Similarly, Kedar Kalakhe, Chairman of the Oromia Youth Association, emphasized the program’s impact on community building: “In Oromia alone, we had 4.2 million participants. The sense of unity and purpose we felt was incredible. We are not just planting trees but building a better Ethiopia, one sapling at a time.”
Technology integration has been crucial to the program’s success. Geospatial mapping has allowed for precise identification of planting sites, ensuring that saplings are planted where they are most likely to thrive. This technology has also enabled continuous monitoring of the saplings, allowing for adjustments and interventions as needed. The use of drones and satellite imagery has provided real-time data on the progress of the reforestation efforts, making the program one of the most advanced and effective in the world.
The Green Footprint program has had significant economic and social benefits beyond the environmental impact. Creating green jobs has provided income for thousands of Ethiopians, particularly in rural areas with limited employment opportunities. Nurseries have sprung up across the country, supplying saplings and providing training in sustainable agriculture practices. The program has also fostered a sense of community, with people coming together to work towards a common goal.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s speech concluded with a call to action for all Ethiopians to continue their efforts. “This is a testament to the incredible solidarity and perseverance of Ethiopians. Our gratitude goes out to the leaders, professionals, and media institutions who played key roles in planning, monitoring, and ensuring the success of this initiative. Our ambition is to build and sustain a better Ethiopia, and our efforts will continue.”
The Prime Minister’s words underscore the long-term vision of the Green Footprint program, which is not just about planting trees but about restoring the land, securing food, and building a resilient Ethiopia for future generations. As the program continues, it will require ongoing support from all sectors of society, from government to grassroots organizations, to ensure that the saplings planted today grow into the forests of tomorrow.
Ethiopia’s historic tree-planting initiative is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a nation unites around a common cause. The success of the Green Footprint program is not just a victory for Ethiopia but a beacon of hope for the world. As climate change continues to threaten the planet, Ethiopia’s example shows that it is possible to create a more sustainable and prosperous future with vision, leadership, and collective action.
