Green Legacy initiative wins acclaim at Oslo Tropical Forest Forum

Addis Ababa, June 26, 2024 (FBC) – An Ethiopian delegation, led by the Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente, is participating in the Oslo Tropical Forest Forum (OTFF), which is taking place on June 25-26 in the Norwegian capital.

At the Forum, the delegation presented the accomplishments of the Green Legacy initiative, with a particular emphasis on deforestation reduction and forest cover growth. Minister Girma on the occasion highlighted that the initiative has not only benefited Ethiopia but has also had a positive impact on its neighboring countries in the region.

In addition to presenting the achievements of the Green Legacy initiative, the delegation highlighted the recently approved Proclamation of Special Fund for Green Legacy Initiative, which aims to rehabilitate degraded lands. The Ethiopian government’s strong commitment to this initiative was also emphasized.

Besides ensuring food self-sufficiency, initiatives such as irrigated wheat and ‘Bounty of the Basket’ (YeLemat Trufat) have also contributed to the reduction of deforestation and the growth of forest cover, as elaborated by the Agriculture Minister.

According to him, these efforts demonstrate Ethiopia’s shift towards building a system from production to consumption in order to create a healthier society.

At the Forum, the delegation further showcased Ethiopia’s significant efforts in boosting agricultural productivity and safeguarding natural resources through sustainable practices as an example of good practice.

On the sidelines of the Forum, the Ethiopian delegation engaged in discussions with the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment and the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs on various topics.

He also had a productive discussion with Bård Vegar Solhjell, the Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and Andreas Dahl-Jørgensen, the Director of Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI).

In the bilateral discussion, Norwegian officials praised Ethiopia’s efforts to combat the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure food security. They also recognized the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Moreover, they expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The goal of Oslo Tropical Forest Forum is to celebrate results and identify remaining challenges 10 years after reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+) was included in the climate change negotiations, and to advance strategies for mobilizing forests to help achieve the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.