As millions of Ethiopians nationwide turned out on Friday to plant 600 million seedlings in 24 hours, the country expects a historic, record-breaking tree planting, the local state media reported.
According to the report, Ethiopia has planted a significant number of trees in the past five years, breaking two records in the process. In 2023, the nation set a new record when it planted 566 million tree saplings in a single day.
The 7.5 billion seedlings to be planted this year are part of the Green Legacy initiative, called "A Country that Plants; A Generation that Sustains!"
Joining forces to plant 600 million seedlings is an ambitious goal that involves people from diverse backgrounds, including foreign nationals living in Ethiopia and members of the diplomatic corps, according to the report.
Moreover, according to the authorities, the campaign has already seen the planting of over 157 tree seedlings by midday, and approximately 7.5 million people have taken part in the overnight seedling program thus far.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who also did his part in the event, said that if Ethiopians "are united, [they] can do more than that."
"On this historic day, we have gathered in the city of Assosa for the one-day planting event, in a region known for its natural abundance, mineral wealth, and fertile lands," the prime minister posted on his X account on Friday. "With the conclusion of today's event, we will have planted around 40 billion seedlings since the launch of the Green Legacy program in 2019. Of the seedlings planted in the past year, 50% have been focused on food security, soil conservation, and combating land degradation. As we move forward, we must continue planting in areas like the Abay River Basin to support water conservation."
In accordance with the event's plan, adults should plant more than 20 saplings, while teenagers must plant more than 10.