The Green legacy initiative critical to build green, climate resilient economy: PM

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2020 (FBC) – Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, while announcing the launch of the second green legacy campaign today, said the green legacy initiative is critical to Ethiopia’s aspirations to build green and climate resilient economy.

“Our natural environment is our important determinant of human health. And health ecosystem which supports biodiversity is critical. Like other parts of the world Ethiopia have also been confronted with climate change ad environmental degradation.” the premier noted.

Dr. Abiy stressed that climate change effects have contributed to flooding, soil erosion, deforestation and biodiversity loss adding countering climate change and paving way for green growth has been one of Ethiopia’s key development objectives.

The premier pointed out that Ethiopia has officially launched its 2020 green legacy program in which it has set an ambitious target to plant 5 billion tree seedlings in this rainy season.

The target set to plant 5 Billion trees this summer is a part of Ethiopia’s larger goal of planting 20 billion trees during a four year period, the premier underlined.

“The green legacy initiative we launched last year resulted in planting of over 4 billion seedlings nationally. More than 20 million people were mobilized throughout the country”, Dr. Abiy stated.

Prime Minister Dr. Abiy recalled that Ethiopia planted close to 354 million seedlings in a twelve hour period last year when thousands of people young and old went out to plant their print on our national green legacy day.

“Of all the trees planted in last year’s green legacy challenge, 84 percent have survived. Through implementation of follow up measures, we have been able to maximize the survival rate which is nature’s encouragement to forge ahead.” Dr. Abiy indicated.

He added “The only thing that makes this year different is the pandemic we are confronted with as a global community. Nevertheless, while our resilience will be tested we are committed to meet our set target in planting in a COVID 19 responsive way.”

The premier further called up on the global community to stand in solidarity with Ethiopia as it has embarked on this year’s green legacy season.

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