Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Program Plants 700 Million Trees in a Single Day

Ethiopia achieved a monumental ecological milestone on July 31, 2025, by planting an astounding 700 million tree seedlings within a single 24-hour period. This massive reforestation effort was executed under the umbrella of the nation’s long-running “Green Legacy” initiative. This unprecedented burst of activity not only surpassed the established daily planting targets but also served as a powerful demonstration of the country's profound commitment to ecological restoration and achieving harmony with the natural environment.

This particular planting drive marked the culmination of the program's seventh year, significantly advancing Ethiopia toward its ambitious goal of planting 7.5 billion seedlings during the 2025 rainy season. Launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019, the “Green Legacy” initiative has successfully transitioned from a government-led project into a nationwide cultural movement, uniting millions of citizens. It is estimated that approximately 15 million Ethiopians participated in the action on that day. People of all ages, ranging from young children to civil servants, worked diligently from dawn in public parks, residential areas, and communal spaces, rallying under the inspiring motto, “Revival through planting.”

The sheer scale of the “Green Legacy” initiative has garnered international recognition as a prime example of climate resilience and sustainable development. Since its inception in 2019, the cumulative number of trees planted has exceeded 48 billion, underscoring the consistent nature of these efforts. Recognizing the need for long-term stability, the Ethiopian Parliament legislated the program in December 2024. This crucial step established a Special Fund dedicated to the restoration of degraded lands. Financial sustainability is ensured as this fund will receive between 0.5 and 1 percent of the federal budget, providing a robust financial foundation for ongoing ecological transformation.

The environmental benefits resulting from this extensive work are already clearly measurable. According to data released by the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, the initiative has dramatically reduced soil erosion. Annual losses of fertile topsoil have been cut sharply, dropping from a previous rate of 1.9 billion tons to just 208 million tons. This preservation effort is vital not only for safeguarding arable land but also for enhancing national food security, partially achieved through the planting of income-generating fruit trees for households. Furthermore, the annual plan for 2025 places a strong emphasis on preserving biodiversity: 2.7 billion of the seedlings planted are native, endemic species, highlighting a deliberate and informed strategy to restore the country's unique flora.