Ethiopia is increasingly earning global acclaim for its pioneering climate action through the Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019, which is delivering significant environmental and economic benefits. By prioritizing reforestation and forest restoration, the initiative has increased Ethiopia’s forest cover to over 23%, reversing decades of environmental decline. This ambitious program addresses climate change while promoting economic growth through carbon trading and climate finance.
The initiative’s strength lies in its dual approach, environmental stewardship and revenue generation. By expanding forest coverage, Ethiopia boosts its carbon sequestration capacity, positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s voluntary carbon markets. According to Adefris Worku, National Coordinator of the Green Legacy Initiative, this strategy increases income from carbon trading while enhancing climate resilience. The country’s biodiversity and favorable ecosystems further elevate its value as a natural carbon reservoir, attracting international climate investments.
In addition to environmental gains, the initiative supports intergenerational equity and aligns with global climate objectives. Bikila Workneh, an ecosystem researcher at Addis Ababa University, underscores its contribution to sustainable development through financial incentives. As a model for developing countries, Ethiopia shows how nature-based solutions can counter climate change’s disproportionate effects while generating economic benefits.
Ethiopia’s achievements highlight the potential of forward-thinking climate strategies in Africa. By linking conservation efforts to financial benefits, the Green Legacy Initiative presents a scalable model for other nations. As Ethiopia continues to grow its climate-smart investments, it sets a powerful example of how environmental action can foster resilience, prosperity, and global collaboration in tackling climate change.
