(PIRE): Mattu University has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and national development by actively participating in Ethiopia's National Green Legacy Campaign. The university joined millions of Ethiopians across the country in the historic initiative to plant 800 million tree seedlings in a single day, reinforcing its dedication to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

As one of Ethiopia's public higher education institutions with a strategic focus on agriculture and natural resource conservation, Mattu University continues to integrate environmental sustainability into its core missions of education, research, innovation, and community engagement. The university is currently revising its academic curricula to strengthen programs related to sustainable agriculture, environmental management, climate change adaptation, and natural resource conservation, ensuring that graduates are equipped to address the country's emerging environmental challenges. Responding to the national call, the university's academic staff, administrative employees, and institutional leaders enthusiastically participated in the Green Legacy Campaign across the Main Campus, Bedele Campus, and Uka Woreda. Together, they successfully planted more than 22,800 seedlings, including coffee, tea, avocado, and a variety of multipurpose indigenous and economically valuable tree species.

The campaign not only contributes to Ethiopia's ambitious reforestation goals but also supports Mattu University's long-term vision of creating a greener and more sustainable campus environment while promoting food security, soil and water conservation, climate resilience, and livelihood improvement for surrounding communities. The event was further strengthened by the participation of the leadership and professionals from Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, who joined the university community in planting seedlings on the Main Campus. In addition to their environmental contribution, the hospital generously provided free health screening services for university employees throughout the event. The university leadership expressed its sincere appreciation for the hospital's partnership and valuable support, highlighting the importance of collaboration between public institutions in advancing national development goals.

Speaking during the campaign, Assistant Professor John Tesfaye, Vice President for Administrative and Development and Dr. Bedilu Teka Vice President for Academic, Research, Technology Transfer and Community Service of Mattu University emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility and reaffirmed Mattu University's commitment to supporting the Government of Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative. They noted that the university will continue expanding its environmental conservation activities through research, innovation, community outreach, and large-scale tree-planting programs.

This event marks the fourth university-wide Green Legacy campaign conducted during the current rainy season. Over the past several weeks, thousands of coffee, tea, fruit, and multipurpose tree seedlings have been planted across university campuses and surrounding communities. These efforts are expected to improve ecosystem restoration, enhance biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration, and create long-term economic and environmental benefits for the Ilu Aba Bor and Buno Bedele communities.

Mattu University remains committed to playing a leading role in Ethiopia's green development agenda by promoting sustainable environmental practices, strengthening community partnerships, and producing graduates capable of addressing the environmental challenges of the future. Through continued participation in national initiatives such as the Green Legacy Campaign, the university reaffirms its mission of contributing to sustainable development while creating lasting social, economic, and environmental impact for present and future generations.

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