00:00It almost looks like a religious pilgrimage, but the crowds are heading up Alamura Mountain for a different reason.
00:07These people are taking part in a massive reforestation effort.
00:15The region has experienced deforestation and erosion.
00:19Now, with the rainy season just around the corner, conditions are ideal for planting trees.
00:25The volunteers are contributing to the Green Legacy Initiative, a nationwide program launched in 2019.
00:33Its goal? To restore degraded landscapes and combat climate change.
00:40Our village often experiences floods and soil erosion.
00:44Sometimes, the floods are so severe that they even wash away the new trees.
00:49But the ones we planted recently on the terraces are growing well.
00:55Across Ethiopia, 32 billion trees have been planted in five years.
01:00Mature trees prevent soil erosion and stop the land drying out, as well as providing a habitat for wildlife.
01:07This area used to be a plain and hilly landscape with no trees.
01:11Since the campaign began, the environment has become greener and beds are returning.
01:16The initiative has helped raise awareness of the importance of trees and led to new businesses too.
01:22Plant nurseries are booming.
01:24They help create jobs with a stable income, especially for young people.
01:29I had no money to support my parents who were sick.
01:38I had to drop out of school due to financial problems too.
01:41Now, since getting a job at the nursery, I can support my parents and continue my education.
01:50Once mature enough, the supplings go to government institutions, NGOs and private customers.
02:04We mainly grow fruit trees, including avocado, papaya and mango.
02:09In addition to their importance for protecting the climate, the trees are also used for food when they grow.
02:15The avocado tree varieties are specially selected and are suitable for the local climate.
02:22In this nursery, 20 unemployed workers have been given permanent jobs and 70 to 80 other workers have been given temporary jobs.
02:33In 2025, the Green Legacy Initiative is once again on track to achieve its reforestation goals.
02:40Trees are vital in the fight against climate change.
02:43They store CO2 and help cool the atmosphere by providing shade and releasing water vapor into the air.
02:50The survival rate of the supplings varies.
02:53While some studies report rates just above 50%, official figures claim an overall success of 80 to 90%.
03:02Planting in suitable locations and ensuring proper aftercare are key.
03:09The village administration and the local community are working together to hire people to protect the young supplings.
03:17My friends and I have also found employment by caring for the trees and protecting them from damage caused by people and domestic animals.
03:29The scale of the campaign is certainly remarkable.
03:34It's an investment in Ethiopia's future that aims to improve the climate in the region and raise awareness of the importance of trees.
03:43The initiative is creating jobs and boosting food security.
03:47And bringing the whole community together, one tree at a time.
03:52The National Park is now on the National Park.
03:53The National Park is now on the National Park.
03:54The National Park is now on the National Park.
03:55The National Park is now on the National Park.
03:56The National Park is now on the National Park.
03:57The National Park is now on the National Park.
03:58The National Park is now on the National Park.
03:59The National Park is now on the National Park.
04:00The National Park is now on the National Park.
04:01The National Park is now on the National Park.
04:02The National Park is now on the National Park.
04:03The National Park is now on the National Park.
04:04The National Park is now on the National Park.
04:05The National Park is now on the National Park.
04:06The National Park is now on the National Park.
04:07The National Park is now on the National Park.
04:08The National Park is now on the National Park.
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