Ethiopia receives UN award for record-breaking reforestation

Ethiopia has received an award from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its “Green Legacy” programme. Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa accepted the accolade recognising the country’s achievements in forest restoration, according to Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a partner of TV BRICS.

Since the initiative began in 2019, more than 48 billion trees have been planted. As a result, the country’s forest cover has risen from 17.2 per cent to 23.6 per cent in just four years, the minister said.

“This is not only a story of environmental breakthrough but also of national unity, demonstrating the power of collective action,” Kassa emphasised.

The programme has also delivered significant socio-economic benefits, creating thousands of jobs for young people and women across Ethiopia.

Launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019, the Green Legacy has become a nationwide movement. In 2025, Ethiopia exceeded its target by planting 7.5 billion trees. For 2026, an even larger campaign is planned, with 54 billion saplings to be planted, focusing on native species and using technology to monitor their growth.

Photo: Thitiphat Khuankaew / iStock