More than two million tree seedlings were planted on Sunday in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa as part of the country’s larger reforestation initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Fruit and Vegetable plants account for the majority of the seedlings planted in several parts of the capital, Mayor’s Office of Addis Ababa indicated.

Launched in 2019, the Green Legacy initiative aims to combat environmental degradation, build resilience, and transition into a green society.

The nation has lost nearly 97 percent of its native forests due to a growing population and an increased need for land for food production. To combat environmental degradation, Ethiopia committed to restoring 15 million hectares of deforested land by 2025.

Through Green Legacy, the Ethiopian government hopes to plant 20 billion trees over four years. Ethiopia made headlines last year when the nation planted nearly 354 million trees in just 12 hours.

“The green legacy initiative we launched last year resulted in the planting of over 4 billion seedlings nationally. More than 20 million people were mobilized throughout the country,” said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. 

“Of all the trees planted in last year’s Green Legacy challenge, 84 percent have survived. Through the implementation of follow up measures, we have been able to maximize the survival rate which is nature’s encouragement to forge ahead,” he added.

The Prime Minister has urged all Ethiopians to join this year’s planting challenge while also adhering to increased safety precautions, social distancing, and other preventative COVID-19 measures. Ethiopians are encouraged to “plant their print at the individual and family level.”