Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative Sets Benchmarks for Climate Action and Sustainable Development
Addis Ababa’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is capturing the attention of the international community as a leading model for climate action, sustainability, and ecological restoration. Launched in 2019, this bold national campaign has not only transformed Ethiopia’s landscape but is also being recognized as an inspiration for other African countries seeking to balance environmental stewardship with economic and social development.
The GLI’s impact is already evident in Ethiopia’s rapidly changing environment. Since inception, the country has mobilized millions of citizens in tree-planting campaigns, resulting in the planting of over 48 billion trees in just seven years. This effort has led to an impressive increase in forest coverage, rising from 17.2 percent to over 23.6 percent. The scale and effectiveness of this transformation have attracted praise from global organizations, including the United Nations, which highlights the initiative as a reference point for sustainable development worldwide.
During a recent address, Doley Tshering, UNDP Ecosystems and Biodiversity Principal Technical Advisor, emphasized that Ethiopia’s approach stands out for its dual focus: conserving biodiversity for future generations while simultaneously delivering economic and social benefits for today’s population. “Ethiopia is a leader in the Green Legacy Initiative. It is the right step. The country is well endowed with rich ecosystems,” Tshering remarked, noting that the government’s actions ensure both long-term environmental health and tangible gains for communities.
The initiative’s success can be attributed to its inclusive, community-driven approach. Large-scale annual tree-planting campaigns engage citizens from all walks of life, including government officials, the private sector, local communities, and youth organizations. These activities not only restore degraded landscapes but also create jobs, support agricultural productivity, and enhance climate resilience. The GLI thus goes beyond basic reforestation, embedding environmental action within the fabric of national development and social cohesion.
For the travel and tourism sector across Africa, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative offers powerful lessons. The dramatic expansion of forests and rehabilitation of ecosystems open up new possibilities for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and wildlife conservation initiatives. Destinations that successfully restore their natural environments can attract visitors seeking authentic, nature-based experiences while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods. Ethiopia’s leadership in this area positions it as a model for other African nations looking to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive global tourism market.
The UNDP’s ongoing partnership with Ethiopia highlights the importance of collaborative strategies in environmental management. “We are here to work very closely alongside the government, helping the government in implementing their important strategies, including those that the government has documented and developed in the Ethiopian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan,” Tshering explained. Through joint actions involving civil society, government agencies, and international stakeholders, Ethiopia is building a robust foundation for sustainable progress—one that is resilient to the threats of climate change and environmental degradation.
Beyond tree planting, the Green Legacy Initiative is yielding broad-based results. Environmental restoration efforts have translated into improved soil fertility, better water management, and the stabilization of vital watersheds. These ecological gains are directly linked to economic development, as healthier landscapes support more productive agriculture and stronger rural economies. The initiative is also credited with strengthening community resilience, empowering people to adapt to changing climatic conditions and to pursue new opportunities in green industries.
The significance of the GLI is felt well beyond Ethiopia’s borders. By demonstrating that large-scale environmental restoration is possible—and that it can deliver immediate economic and social returns—Ethiopia has set a new benchmark for African countries. The initiative’s holistic approach, combining ecological, economic, and social objectives, aligns closely with the priorities of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
For African travel professionals, the Green Legacy Initiative underlines the importance of integrating sustainability into destination development. As travelers increasingly seek out responsible, eco-friendly experiences, countries that invest in environmental restoration are well positioned to capture this growing market. Ethiopia’s success story serves as a call to action: with the right vision, partnerships, and community engagement, it is possible to turn environmental challenges into engines of growth, resilience, and national pride.
As the region faces mounting pressures from climate change, land degradation, and loss of biodiversity, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative stands as a beacon. Its achievements demonstrate that environmental action is not just a moral imperative, but a practical strategy for unlocking long-term prosperity and stability. For the rest of Africa—and for the world—the message is clear: investing in nature is investing in the future.
