The Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), launched in 2019, is a several billions tree planting campaign by mobilizing millions of people. Restoration of degraded landscapes and prevention of further land degradation were among the outcomes of the initiative. In doing so, GLI aimed at addressing multiple environmental issues including restoration of overexploited and degraded natural resources such as forest, surface soil and water, halting desertification, and improving ecosystems services at national and local levels. The target was to restore 22 million hectares of degraded lands and forests; and consequently, to remove up to 297M tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030.
The GLI has consistently set ambitious annual tree-planting targets to support Ethiopia’s environmental restoration and climate resilience efforts. In 2023, the initiative targeted the planting of 6.5 billion seedlings and reported planting 7.5 billion. Similarly, in 2024, the programme exceeded its target of 6.5 billion seedlings by planting 7.5 billion. Building on these achievements, the initiative has set an even higher target of 7.5 billion seedlings for 2025. Overall, since its inception, Ethiopians have planted more than 48 billion tree seedlings across the country. This unprecedented effort has contributed significantly to restoring degraded landscapes, rehabilitating watersheds, and increasing Ethiopia’s forest cover from approximately 17 percent to 23.6 percent.
On 25 May 2026, Ethiopia announced that it was scaling up the GLI a through new US$ 9.8 million project supported by the Least Developed Countries Fund of the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The project aims to strengthen the resilience of people and ecosystems by promoting ecosystem-based adaptation across three regions—Oromia, Amhara, and Central Ethiopia—covering six districts in the country’s midlands and highlands. It seeks to restore 18,000 hectares of degraded forest and agricultural landscapes while placing 42,000 hectares of natural forest under climate-resilient sustainable management. In addition, 7,200 hectares will be brought under climate-resilient plantation forestry and agroforestry. The project will support 3,000 people through climate-resilient livelihood opportunities and improved market access, provide climate information services to enhance adaptation planning, and strengthen institutional capacity, financing mechanisms, and knowledge management to facilitate the scaling up of climate-resilient Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) best practices.
Implemented in partnership with the Government of Ethiopia through the Ethiopian Forestry Development as lead Executing Entity, the Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa, the Center for International Forestry Research, national institutions, implementing regions and Woredas, this project builds on the strong foundation of the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) while deepening its adaptation impact.“The Green Legacy Initiative is more than a restoration effort — it is about building climate resilience, creating green jobs, improving food security, and empowering women and youth, while strengthening ecosystems across Ethiopia,” said H.E. Ato Kebede Yimam, Director General, Ethiopian Forestry Development.
On 16 June, 2026, Ethiopiaannounced the launch of the next phase of the Green Legacy Initiative. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that dedicated efforts are underway to raise the number of seedlings planted under the Green Legacy Initiative to 65 billion by next year. Noting that over 48 billion seedlings have been planted in the last seven years alone, the Prime Minister explained that this immense success, which has astounded the world, created a historic opportunity for Ethiopia to host a global climate change summit. The Prime Minister stated that the international community has fully recognized Ethiopia as the only country to have planted 48 billion seedlings through voluntary public participation and high-level collaboration. He noted that the result of this grand endeavor has provided the opportunity for 70,000 to 80,000 international guests to visit Ethiopia for the major summit.
The Green Legacy Initiative identifies the following priorities for the future to maximize its long-term impact:strengthening public ownership and nurturing a lasting culture of environmental responsibility; expanding alternative and renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on forest resources; enhancing research and evidence-based policymaking to identify and address legal, institutional, and implementation gaps; improving coordination among government institutions, development partners, communities, and the private sector; expanding sustainable forest management and monitoring systems; increasing investments in climate-smart agriculture and watershed restoration; ensuring that seedlings planted during the rainy season receive adequate care, protection, and maintenance during dry periods; and maximizing the economic benefits of green development through value-chain expansion, agroforestry, and improved market access for farmers.
