Ethiopia mobilized millions of its citizens on Thursday to plant an astonishing 700 million trees in a single day, marking the largest single-day reforestation campaign in the country’s history.
The event is part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Green Legacy initiative, a sweeping effort launched in 2019 to counter deforestation and climate change by planting 50 billion trees by 2026.
A Country Unites for a Greener Future
From the highlands of Oromia to the heart of the capital Addis Ababa, Ethiopians from all walks of life, farmers, students, elders, and civil servants were seen digging, planting, and watering seedlings from the crack of dawn.
By 6 a.m. local time, over 355 million seedlings had reportedly been planted by 14.9 million participants, according to government spokesperson Tesfahun Gobezay. While independent verification of these figures remains pending, the sheer scale of the campaign captured global attention.
“We have launched the annual Green Legacy planting campaign early this morning,” Prime Minister Abiy posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Our goal this year is 700 million seedlings. Let’s achieve it together.”
The Prime Minister himself joined volunteers in Jimma, a key city in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, while members of his cabinet traveled to various provinces to take part in local efforts.
Planting Trees, Planting Unity
In the capital’s Jifara Ber planting site, the atmosphere was festive yet focused. 72-year-old Almaz Tadu, flanked by her grandchildren, called the day “a mission for the earth and for our community.” She added, “I’ve never seen such togetherness. We are planting not just trees but hope.”
Beside her, 13-year-old Nathenael Behailu carefully tended to his third sapling. “I want to see a green Ethiopia,” he said with a bright smile.
Long-time participant Ayanaw Asrat had already planted 15 trees by mid-morning. “Every tree is a promise,” he said. “We are changing Addis Ababa one seedling at a time.”
Green Legacy’s Track Record and Political Backdrop
Ethiopia claims to have planted over 40 billion trees since the Green Legacy program began five years ago. The government’s goal is to reach 7.5 billion additional trees by 2025, ultimately targeting 50 billion by 2026.
To facilitate Thursday’s event, public offices were closed nationwide, and thousands of civil servants were deployed to planting sites. The initiative reflects Abiy’s broader ambition to tie environmental recovery with national unity, a message seen as particularly important as his administration continues to face internal conflicts, especially in the Amhara region, and rebuilds from the devastating Tigray war.
Experts Applaud Intent, Question Execution
Despite the enthusiasm, the campaign has not escaped scrutiny. A forestry specialist at Jimma University, who asked to remain anonymous, raised doubts about the feasibility of planting 700 million trees in just one day.
“To meet that target, you’d need around 35 million people each planting 20 trees, a logistical and practical challenge,” the expert explained.
Concerns were also voiced about the selection of tree species, including the use of exotic varieties that may disrupt local ecosystems, and the lack of transparency around the survival rates of previously planted seedlings.
“While the initiative’s intentions are noble,” the academic noted, “mass tree planting requires scientific planning and consistent follow-up. It’s not just about how many trees are planted, but how many actually grow and thrive.”
A Global Beacon or Greenwashing?
Ethiopia’s ambitious campaign is being watched closely by environmentalists and governments worldwide as a potential model for climate action through mass civic participation. If successful, the effort could inspire similar programs in other developing nations struggling with deforestation and drought.
However, skeptics argue that without robust follow-up and ecological assessment, such campaigns may become symbolic gestures rather than lasting solutions.
Hope Takes Root
For now, the images flooding social media tell a story of shared commitment: grandmothers and grandchildren, government officials and grassroots volunteers, all coming together to restore their country’s green cover.
“This is not just about trees,” said volunteer coordinator Senait Mekonnen in Addis Ababa. “It’s about building a legacy of responsibility, environmental, social, and national.”
As millions of saplings take root across the Ethiopian soil, the nation looks ahead with cautious optimism. Whether these young trees will grow to maturity remains uncertain, but the spirit of collective action behind them has already planted seeds of hope.
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