AMN Plus – June 22, 2026
The annual Green Legacy tree-planting campaign was officially launched today in Addis Ababa under the theme “Let Us Plant Hope.”
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie stated that the Green Legacy journey is not merely intended to benefit the present generation. Rather, she described it as a major national movement aimed at leaving rewards, blessings, and opportunities, not burdens and debt, for future generations.
The Mayor noted that Addis Ababa has witnessed a remarkable and historic transformation in green development over the past eight years. She explained that the city’s green coverage had previously been in continuous decline, falling below internationally accepted urban standards and drawing widespread criticism. However, she emphasized that this trend has now been decisively reversed through sustained and coordinated efforts.
The Mayor further highlighted the city’s ambitious goal of reaching the internationally recognized benchmark of 30 percent green coverage in the coming years. She affirmed that extensive efforts are currently underway to achieve this target and further enhance the city’s environmental sustainability.
As part of Ethiopia’s nationwide Green Legacy Initiative, Addis Ababa has played a significant role by planting approximately 90 million seedlings, contributing to the more than 48 billion seedlings planted across the country in recent years.
Looking ahead, the Mayor announced that the city plans to plant 6 million seedlings this year in support of the national target of planting 8 billion seedlings. She noted that this effort will significantly contribute to Addis Ababa’s objective of achieving 30 percent green coverage.
Mayor Adanech stated that the launch event was held in the bebeshale area of Yeka Sub-City, a location that vividly symbolizes the city’s green transformation. She recalled that just a year ago, the area was characterized by waste accumulation, illegal settlements, environmental degradation, and severe pollution. Today, however, it stands as a testament to what coordinated environmental rehabilitation efforts can accomplish.
The Mayor stressed that what is being planted is not merely seedlings, but also hope, development, prosperity, food security, and a healthier environment for future generations. She emphasized that planting trees alone is not enough; just as children require care and nurturing, seedlings must also be regularly watered, protected, and monitored to ensure their survival and growth.
The Green Legacy campaign launched today will continue across Addis Ababa through the active participation of government institutions, sub-city and district administrations, private organizations, schools, local communities and institutions found in the city.
By Birhanu Workneh
