On Dec 24, 2024 207
Addis Ababa, December 24, 2024 (FMC) –– Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) has unanimously passed a proclamation for the establishment and administration of the Green Legacy initiative and degraded land rehabilitation special fund. This move is expected to enhance Ethiopia’s collaboration and benefits from development partners in the forestry sector.
During its 12th regular session of the 4th year held today, the 6th HoPR passed the bill as Proclamation No. 1361/2017.
It is worth noting that the draft proclamation for the special fund for the Green Legacy initiative and degraded land rehabilitation was examined and forwarded to the parliament by the Council of Ministers during its 34th regular session on June 7, 2024, for further deliberation and final ratification. It was previously noted that the Green Legacy (GL) initiative lacked its own budget and fund, relying solely on backing from the federal government and regional states.
The ratified proclamation aims to ensure the sustainability of the extensive efforts being undertaken under the Green Legacy program. It also seeks to guarantee the multifaceted importance of the forest sector.
Furthermore, the proclamation’s primary objective is to establish a financial system for the allocation of resources necessary for the activities of the Green Legacy initiative.
In that regard, the report and recommendations prepared by the Standing Committee on Planning, Budget, and Finance, chaired by Mr. Dessalegn Wodaje, were presented during today’s parliamentary session.
Mr. Dessalegn highlighted the proclamation’s potential social, economic, and ecological benefits, which include restoring affected areas through forestry and agro-forestry practices. He also stressed the importance of concerted efforts and support from relevant stakeholders, including the federal government and regional states, for the sustainability of the Green Legacy program’s activities.
Furthermore, the MPs emphasized the significance of leveraging domestic capacity and securing international support for climate action.
They also acknowledged that the efforts made to address the financial aspects of the Green Legacy initiative are positive steps toward establishing a sustainable fund.
The proclamation is also expected to enhance Ethiopia’s collaboration and benefits in the forestry sector from development partners and other international climate change financing sources, as well as carbon trading systems.