One Ethiopian Who Could Change The World By Planting Trees

Ethiopian born American citizen Gashaw Tahir travelled back to his homeland several years ago and was shocked at the deforestation that had destroyed his birthplace. The rivers had dried up, mountains were bare and rising temperatures were killing other plant life. Tahir was inspired to do something to change this but he had no idea how influential it would be.

He needed land so he asked the council for a plot to plant trees, to his surprise they gave him two acres and enough money to hire a handful of youths from the village to help him. He hired a mix of Christian and Muslim youths, promoting coexistence, and gave them money to buy clothes and books for school.

"My ultimate vision is making Africa green again," he says. "That inspires me, touches me, and moves me into action." The initial project was a success so Tahir was given 1000 workers and 11,000 acres by the government. He is now recognised as a 'National Green Hero' and projects have received huge media coverage and inspired similar projects across Ethiopia and Africa.

The new forests will fight erosion, provide food and additional income for the population. The new trees will be more sustainable as they can provide food rather than being cut down for money to buy food.

Alongside the forestation projects, Tahir set up an agricultural research centre since 80% of the population work as farmers. The centre teaches modern planting and harvesting techniques for new and traditional crops.

Since the start of the project in 2006, researchers have noticed some significant environmental changes, they documented a visible drop in the average temperature and a vast improvement in the regions ecology. Tahir not only aims to raise awareness of environmental issues in his country and continent but also aims to empower young people. "With these young people, when I give them a job, when I give them hope, when they get money, they are empowered," he said. "They see it.