Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), initiated by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, has grown into a powerful national movement for restoring degraded landscapes, protecting biodiversity and strengthening resilience to climate and environmental pressures. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has brought together citizens, institutions, civil society organizations and partners around a shared commitment: to restore the ecosystems that sustain communities, livelihoods and food production.
On the 3rd of August 2026, millions of Ethiopians began gathering early morning across cities, towns, villages, farms, schools, and public institutions with a single purpose – to plant 800 million tree seedlings in a single day. By planting 805.3 million seedlings, Ethiopians showcased their commitment for collective action. At a time when the world is confronted with intensifying climate change, accelerating land degradation, and growing biodiversity loss, Ethiopia’s campaign offers a striking example of environmental action carried out at extraordinary scale. Ethiopia also shared seedlings, technical experience, and restoration practices with other African nations, arguing that environmental degradation, desertification, and climate vulnerability require continental solutions.
ESFSAC joined the team of Civil Society Organizations coordinated by the Population, Health and Environment (PHE) Ethiopia Consortium and who planted tree seedlings at Gara Gatira Mountain.
The activity brought together 38 civil society organizations, which collectively planted 4,200 tree seedlings—exceeding the initial target of 3,000 seedlings. The action demonstrated the power of collective effort and the important role of civil society in advancing Ethiopia’s environmental restoration agenda.
For ESFSAC, participation in the Green Legacy Initiative reflects the strong connection between healthy ecosystems and sustainable food systems. The lasting impact of Green Legacy depends on protecting, nurturing and monitoring seedlings so that they survive and grow into healthy trees. As Dr. Bayush Tsegaye, Executive Director of ESFSAC, emphasized, “Planting a seedling is an act of hope, but protecting it until it becomes a healthy tree is our shared responsibility.” Sustained community involvement and collective care will be essential to turning today’s planting into tomorrow’s environmental gains. The tree seedlings planted today are more than a number—they represent a shared investment in healthier landscapes, stronger communities and a greener future for generations to come. Planting creates the opportunity; collective care sustains the legacy.
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Picture: Participants planting seedlings during the national Green Legacy Campaign Day
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This content is part of our Newsletter, August Edition. Find the full Newsletter in PDF.
