Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative Praised as Climate Change Solution for Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s ambitious Green Legacy Initiative is being hailed as a groundbreaking model for combating climate change and restoring fragile ecosystems across Africa, according to a top regional water official.
Felix Ngamlagosi, Secretary-General of the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM), told Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) that the continent is facing worsening droughts and floods simultaneously—a direct consequence of climate change. He singled out Ethiopia’s large-scale reforestation and riverbank conservation efforts as a critical solution other nations should replicate.
A Continent Under Climate Siege
Africa is bearing the brunt of climate disruptions, with erratic weather patterns devastating agriculture, water supplies, and livelihoods. Ngamlagosi warned that rivers across the continent are drying up faster, while extreme flooding is becoming more frequent—a dangerous cycle that threatens food security and economic stability.
“Climate change is hitting Africa harder than most regions,” he said. “Our rivers no longer hold water for long periods. We see droughts and floods at the same time, which are clear signs of environmental breakdown.”
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy: A Blueprint for Success
Since its launch in 2019, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has planted billions of tree seedlings, revitalizing degraded landscapes and improving water retention in key watersheds. Ngamlagosi emphasized that restoring forests and protecting riverbanks helps stabilize water flow, reducing both drought and flood risks.
“When you plant trees and conserve riverbanks, rainfall is absorbed better, and streams return,” he explained. “Ethiopia’s government has shown exceptional leadership—this is the kind of action we need across Africa.”
The initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has mobilized millions of citizens in annual tree-planting campaigns, setting a world record in 2019 with over 350 million seedlings planted in a single day.
A Call for Regional Cooperation
Ngamlagosi urged other African nations to adopt similar programs, stressing that cross-border collaboration is essential to mitigate climate disasters. With deforestation and land degradation contributing to water scarcity, Ethiopia’s model offers a scalable solution.
“This isn’t just about Ethiopia—it’s about learning from success stories,” he said. “If more countries follow this path, we can reverse some of the damage.”
The Road Ahead
Despite challenges like funding gaps and logistical hurdles, Ethiopia remains committed to expanding its reforestation efforts, aiming for a total of 20 billion trees by 2024. Experts say the initiative could significantly enhance biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and water security in the drought-prone Horn of Africa.
As climate pressures intensify, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy stands as a rare beacon of hope—proving that political will and community engagement can still turn the tide against environmental collapse.
— Reported by Nexio News
