UNHCR plants trees in refugee camps as part of Green Legacy Initiative

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2020 (FBC) – UNHCR has planted over 755,000 multipurpose trees in the 26 refugee camps across the country, as well as in the neighbouring host community sites.

Out of the total trees, more than 63,000 trees including bamboo acacia are planted in Bambasi camp where more than 18, 000 Sudanese refugees are sheltered.

Jolanda Van Dijk, UNHCR Regional Office Head, noted that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has given a new impetus to UNHCR’s environmental rehabilitation and reforestation programme to plant additional trees.

She added the activity was part of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, a grand activity seeking to plant up to 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period.

“On behalf of UNHCR, I am happy to be part of this exercise in the camp situated in Benshangul Gumuz Region, home to approximately 63,000 Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees.” said the head.

“This initiative is very much in line with UNHCR’s sustainable energy strategy which promotes innovative energy solutions and land restoration projects.” Jolanda Van Dijk added.