Ethiopia: Ethiopia's Green Legacy Showcases Commitment to Global Climate Action - Pmo Press Secretary

What the report says

Ethiopia’s Office of the Prime Minister says the country’s Green Legacy Initiative is central to its climate strategy, combining large-scale tree planting with environmental conservation and efforts to support sustainable development. In a briefing on Ethiopia’s participation in the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, PMO Press Secretary Billene Seyoum said the programme reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to global climate action.

According to the Ethiopian News Agency report carried by AllAfrica, Billene said Ethiopia has planted more than 56 billion seedlings over the past eight years under the initiative. She said the government views the project not only as an afforestation drive, but also as a contribution to restoring degraded ecosystems and reducing the effects of climate change. She also stressed that the focus should extend beyond planting numbers to include survival rates, ongoing care and protection of trees.

The briefing also highlighted Ethiopia’s broader clean energy plans, including investment in hydropower, wind and solar power. Billene said these projects are intended to meet domestic demand and strengthen electricity supply for regional markets. She pointed to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy ambitions and said it will be featured at the Ethiopian Pavilion during COP31.

The report said the government is also preparing to host COP32 in 2027 and plans to present its development and climate initiatives to the international community.