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ADDIS ABABA–July 22, 2025 (HoAREC&N) – The Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network (HoAREC&N), Addis Ababa University and the Gullele Botanic Garden (GBG) jointly organized the 7th Round Green Legacy tree planting programme at the Gullele Botanic Garden (GBG), which was held under the theme “Revival Through Planting”. The event involved the participation of over 200 people comprising vice presidents, deans, directors and management bodies representing different faculties of the Addis Ababa University (AAU) as well as management and staff of HoAREC&N and the GBG who planted tree seedlings over a vast area of land within the GBG compound.
The event, which marked a collective stride towards greening Ethiopia’s future, started with welcoming remarks and messages delivered by senior officials who emphasized the power of collaboration for environmental restoration. In his welcoming remark Prof. Mekuria Argaw, Executive Director of HoAREC&N, said that the joint efforts of HoAREC&N-AAU and GBG (Addis Ababa City Administration) have paved the way for the two to develop such a magnificent Botanic Garden. “Our common collaboration enabled us to make such beautiful environment a reality. This opportunity enabled us to use the garden for nature conservation and eco-tourism.
The Executive director also highlighted that the collaboration will continue in a “more stronger manner”. Prof. Mekuria extended heartfelt thanks to the AAU management for its close support to the HoAREC&N. “The University has been providing unwavering support to the HoAREC&N, and that is why we continued to grow strong and impactful” he said. The executive director also expressed appreciation to the Addis Ababa City Administration, GBG, the AAU and the community for their commitments to contribute to the success of the 7th round National Green Legacy tree planting program.
The Executive Director of the Gullele Botanic Garden, Engineer Gutema Moreda, on his part said that the close collaboration with HoAREC&N could be expressed in the colorful event of the Green Legacy tree planting ceremony. “We value AAU’s effort to advance the Green Legacy Initiatives launched at a national level. Your contribution in reforesting the area with indigenous tree species is very exemplary. “This is a result of our close cooperation” Engineer Gutema said.
The GBG executive director added that the Garden, which is stretched over 705 hectare of land, is endowed with over 1300 plant species and serves as a hub for education and sanctuary for conservation of rare species, where the future generation acquires knowledge and use the Garden to teach practical lessons for the youth on nation-building initiatives. Engineer Gutama extended his thanks to HoAREC&N-AAU and the participants of the event for their invaluable contributions in developing the GBG.
Dr. Rahel Argaw, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Communication of the Addis Ababa University, pointed out that HoAREC&N is among those institutes that have been conducting researches immensely benefiting communities. The Center has accomplished a lot in improving environmental governance not only nationally but regionally. This Botanic Garden is a testament. “Above all, HoAREC&N is making a shining contribution at a regional level,” she said.
Dr. Rahel thanked the HoAREC&N and GBG team on behalf of the President of AAU, H.E. Dr. Samuel Kifle for organizing the 7th round Green Legacy tree planting program. “I thank you all for participating in this exemplary event that demonstrated our commitment to the Green Legacy initiative and reinforced ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, research, and community engagement” she concluded.
