PLANT GREEN BREATH CLEAN

In the past two decades, Ethiopia has moved in a nationwide tree planting revolution that resulted in tremendous achievements. Fifty years ago, the national forest coverage was around 38.5 percent. Due to extensive deforestation and land grabbing, this number plummeted to 3.8 percent. The extensive deforestation had a quite catastrophic effect on the environment and on the wellbeing of the general public. From poor quality of air that makes breathing difficult, to soil erosion that wipes out fertile land, the damage of deforestation has been quite immense.  

In the past decade, the government has implemented a strategic plan to recover damaged land and reforest places that have been affected by extensive deforestation. Since then, nationwide teams of farmers and students have been mobilized to plant millions of trees in the country. A good example mount Mogle located in Sebeta town with no trees to spot on, this mountain has been a barren hill for decades. In 2009, the local government mobilized local students and farmers to plant thousands of trees on the mountain. The result has been remarkable, as the mountain recovered in two years and wild animals were seen in the woods.

It is vital that the next generation understands the importance of forests and the role they play in sustaining the ecology of a given environment. Henceforth, it is important to recover damaged lands, reforest them and most importantly, educate the next generation to preserve these forests and ecologies for the good of the environment.

Eco-generation in Ethiopia will be hosting a seminar on the topic of reforestation in July to create awareness among youth and students.