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.
