Green Legacy Initiative boosts farmers’ income, enhances environmental conservation, says U.S. Ambassador

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2024 (FBC) – U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, emphasized the critical role of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative during the monumental event of planting 600 million seedlings in a single day. He highlighted how this initiative is essential for both environmental protection and the restoration of natural resources.

Ambassador Massinga pointed out the significance of the tree planting campaign as a key component of the Green Legacy Initiative, which empowers Ethiopian farmers and agricultural producers to safeguard their land against degradation while enhancing their productivity.

He noted that, through this initiative, farmers—including coffee growers, pastoralists, and lowland agricultural producers—are able to improve their yields and increase their income from natural resources.

Additionally, the Ambassador noted the initiative’s vital role in restoring marginal lands for agricultural use. He also mentioned that the afforestation efforts contribute to mitigating natural disasters, like landslides, by bolstering environmental preservation.

The United States remains committed to supporting Ethiopia’s environmental protection endeavors through collaborations with universities and both federal and regional governments, Ambassador Massinga stated.