By Yohannes Lijalem
Addis Ababa, (AMECO) — Ethiopians have five days to prepare for an ambitious environmental drive aimed at planting 800 million tree seedlings in a single day, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced.
The single-day effort marks the latest milestone under the country’s Green Legacy Initiative, an annual reforestation programme launched in 2019 at the start of the rainy season to address environmental degradation and promote national unity through mass action.
In a statement addressed to the nation, Abiy called on citizens to mobilize ahead of the event.
‘Only 5 days remain to make history through the united arm of all Ethiopians by planting 800 million seedlings in a single day!’ Abiy said. ‘In these remaining days, I call upon my beloved fellow citizens to make the necessary preparations, rise with determination, and ensure the victory we will achieve in our unity. Together, let us plant hope!’
Track record of overperformance
Since its launch, the Green Legacy Initiative has set incremental yearly targets, consistently surpassing its official planting goals each year.
Data covering the history of the initiative demonstrates a sustained pattern of exceeding national targets:
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2019: Target of 4.0bn seedlings; 4.7bn planted
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2020: Target of 5.0bn seedlings; 5.9bn planted
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2021: Target of 6.0bn seedlings; 6.8bn planted
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2022: Target of 6.0bn seedlings; 7.2bn planted
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2023: Target of 6.5bn seedlings; 7.5bn planted
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2024: Target of 6.5bn seedlings; 7.5bn planted
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2025: Target of 7.5bn seedlings; planted data pending
The upcoming 800-million seedling goal represents the core focus of the campaign, as communities across the country prepare to participate in the coordinated single-day drive.
