40% of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy planting this year to be conducted along the GERD basins – DPM

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2024 (FBC) – During a tree-planting ceremony held in the Ali Birra Park, Dire-Dawa City Administration, earlier this morning, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr. Temesgen Truneh, revealed that 40% of this year’s Green Legacy planting cycle will take place in the basin areas of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

During the event, Deputy PM Temesgen emphasized the importance of reforestation in Dire-Dawa, citing the area’s increasingly hot weather conditions. He stressed that planting more tree seedlings would help alleviate this issue and create a more hospitable environment.

Mr. Temesgen expressed his gratitude for the city administration’s support and active involvement in the Green Legacy initiative.

During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh highlighted the uniqueness of this year’s Green Legacy planting campaign, explaining that 40% of the 7.5 billion tree saplings planned for this year’s planting cycle will be planted in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam basin area.

He emphasized the importance of this initiative in maintaining the Abbay (alias the Nile River) and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at a higher capacity.

The Mayor of Dire-Dawa City Administration, Mr. Kedir Juhar, mentioned during the ceremony that the Green Legacy initiative aims to enhance food security, prevent frequent flash floods, and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

He noted that his city administration has already planted 1.5 million different tree seedlings and that preparations have been completed to plant an additional 1 million saplings in a single day.

Senior officials, including regional chief administrators and ministers, took part in a tree seedling planting program held this morning at Ali Birra Park in Dire-Dawa city.