Ethiopia is continuing its massive effort to restore forests and fight climate change, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announcing new milestones in the country’s ambitious Green Legacy program. Since launching in 2019, the initiative has mobilized millions of citizens to plant over 32 billion trees, with the ultimate goal of reaching 50 billion by 2026 (AP News).
The campaign responds to Ethiopia’s severe deforestation crisis, which has reduced forest cover from 35% a century ago to just 4% today. Loss of trees has fueled soil erosion, worsened drought impacts, and undermined food security for millions. By planting billions of seedlings and engaging local communities, Ethiopia hopes to combat desertification, improve water systems, and store carbon to counter climate change.
One of the campaign’s most striking achievements came in July 2019, when volunteers planted more than 350 million trees in a single day, setting a new world record. The government has paired tree planting with broader environmental programs, including watershed protection, expanded irrigation, and renewable energy projects designed to make the economy more sustainable.
Still, challenges remain. Environmental experts warn that high planting numbers must be matched with consistent monitoring to ensure seedlings survive into maturity. Without investment in forest management and maintenance, survival rates can be low in drought-prone regions. The government has acknowledged this concern and is now working with universities and NGOs to track outcomes more rigorously.
Despite the hurdles, the Green Legacy campaign has drawn global attention as one of the world’s largest reforestation projects. It also carries symbolic weight, tying environmental stewardship to Ethiopia’s vision of national renewal and long-term resilience. Neighboring countries have already expressed interest in learning from Ethiopia’s approach, positioning it as a potential model for large-scale restoration across Africa.
If successful, Ethiopia’s drive to plant 50 billion trees by 2026 could stand as one of the most ambitious environmental achievements of the 21st century, showing how collective action can combat climate change while strengthening communities.