Ethiopia's green mission: Billions of trees for the future

Ethiopia wants to plant over 7 billion trees by 2025 — for a better climate and to fight erosion and drought. The project will also create many jobs.

Transcript

00:00It almost looks like a religious pilgrimage.

00:04But the crowds are heading up Alamura Mountain for a different reason.

00:10These people are taking part in a massive reforestation effort.

00:14The region has experienced deforestation and erosion.

00:18Now with the rainy season just around the corner, conditions are ideal for planting trees.

00:24The volunteers are contributing to the Green Legacy Initiative,

00:28a nationwide program launched in 2019.

00:32Its goal, to restore degraded landscapes and combat climate change.

00:38Our village often experiences floods and soil erosion.

00:43Sometimes the floods are so severe that they even wash away the new trees.

00:47But the ones we planted recently on the terraces are growing well.

00:52Across Ethiopia, more than 30 billion seedlings have been planted in five years.

00:57Mature trees prevent soil erosion and stop the land drying out as well as providing a habitat for wildlife.

01:05This area used to be a plain and hilly landscape with no trees.

01:09Since the campaign began, the environment has become greener and birds are returning.

01:15The initiative has helped raise awareness of the importance of trees and led to new businesses too.

01:21Plant nurseries are booming.

01:23They help create jobs with a stable income, especially for young people.

01:29I had no money to support my parents who were sick.

01:39I had to drop out of school due to financial problems too.

01:45Now since getting a job at the nursery, I can support my parents and continue my education.

01:55Once mature enough, the saplings go to government institutions, NGOs and private customers.

02:03We 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.

02:21In this nursery, 20 unemployed workers have been given permanent jobs and 70 to 80 other workers have been given temporary jobs.

02:31In 2025, the Green Legacy Initiative is once again on track to achieve its reforestation goals.

02:39Trees are vital in the fight against climate change.

02:42They store CO2 and help cool the atmosphere by providing shade and releasing water vapor into the air.

02:50The survival rate of the saplings varies.

02:54While some studies report rates of just above 50%, official figures claim an overall success of 80 to 90%.

03:02Planting in suitable locations and ensuring proper aftercare are key.

03:08The village administration and the local community are working together to hire people to protect the young saplings.

03:15My friends and I have also found employment by caring for the trees.

03:19It's an investment in Ethiopia's future that aims to improve the climate in the region and raise awareness of the importance of trees.

03:31The