AMN Plus-June 22, 2026
The Addis Ababa City Administration has launched extensive preparations for the implementation of this year’s Green Legacy Initiative, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and urban transformation, Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced.
Speaking during a briefing on the city administration’s 90-day government performance plan, Mayor Adanech said Addis Ababa is giving special attention to the nationwide Green Legacy campaign and is undertaking comprehensive preparations to ensure its successful execution. The initiative forms part of Ethiopia’s ambitious national target of planting 8 billion tree seedlings during the current rainy season.
According to the Mayor, all sub-city administrations have been directed to identify, prepare, and organize suitable planting sites well in advance to facilitate the smooth implementation of the campaign. The preparations include land development, seedling distribution, and community mobilization efforts aimed at maximizing participation across the capital.
Mayor Adanech emphasized that achieving Addis Ababa’s long-term vision of becoming a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient city will require sustained commitment from government institutions, communities, and stakeholders alike.
She noted that the city has set an ambitious target of planting at least six million seedlings this year as part of its broader strategy to increase urban forest coverage to 30 percent.
“The Green Legacy Initiative is central to our efforts to build a livable, environmentally sustainable, and globally competitive city,” the Mayor stated, underscoring the importance of expanding green spaces to improve air quality, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience.
She further explained that this year’s campaign is being implemented on a larger scale than previous years, particularly as Ethiopia intensifies preparations to host the COP32 International Climate Summit. In support of these efforts, nearly 300 hectares of land are currently being prepared for greening and landscaping activities throughout the city.
Beyond its environmental significance, Mayor Adanech highlighted the initiative’s contribution to sustainable urban development. She noted that Green Legacy serves as a long-term development strategy that promotes food security, creates employment opportunities, enhances urban aesthetics, and improves the overall quality of life for residents.
“The initiative is not merely a seasonal tree-planting campaign,” she said. “It is a strategic investment in the future of our city and future generations.”
The Mayor reaffirmed the city administration’s determination to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Green Legacy Initiative to make Addis Ababa more attractive for investment, tourism, and recreation while creating a cleaner and healthier urban environment.
Reflecting on the administration’s track record, Mayor Adanech noted that Addis Ababa has consistently met the development targets it has set in recent years. She expressed confidence that this year’s Green Legacy goals will likewise be achieved through coordinated efforts, strong leadership, and active public participation.
As Ethiopia continues to gain international recognition for its large-scale environmental restoration efforts, Addis Ababa’s expanded commitment to the Green Legacy Initiative is expected to play a significant role in advancing the capital’s sustainable development agenda and strengthening the country’s preparations for COP32.
By Birhanu Workneh
