Deforestation in Ethiopia has reached epidemic levels. In the past 50 years, the country has lost 98% of its forests.

At current rates, Ethiopia’s forests will be completely wiped off the face of the Earth within 27 years.

Making matters worse, only a small percentage of remaining forests have been given conservation status for protection.

Coffee production and irresponsible agriculture are the leading causes of deforestation in Ethiopia.

Global coffee consumption drives the Ethiopian community to practice unsustainable farming. This happens when natives turn to destructive forestry as a means for survival. It is so important to instill in the local population a sense of stewardship towards the trees being planted (as explained in our FAQ).

Ethiopia is a truly diverse and precious ecosystem-- home and endemic to thousands of species that are found nowhere else on the planet.

• 1408 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians: 7% endemic and 4.6% threatened for extinction
• 6,603 species of plants: 15.1% are found nowhere else on Earth

As land degradation continues and soil becomes less and less arable, the cycle of poverty continues: trees are cut down, the soil “dies,” and locals migrate to a new area to repeat the process.

In addition to widespread poverty throughout the country and irresponsible agriculture, ineffective political and governmental groups and institutions are also to blame for the intense tree loss.

Ultimately, the deforestation cycle must be broken in Ethiopia to not only save the Earth and restore damage done, but also to eliminate poverty and spread awareness to local communities on how to care for and plant more trees.

For these reasons, 8 Billion Trees has partnered with ForestNation to lead our planting project in Ethiopia where we are fighting to reverse the forest loss for a brighter, greener, more optimistic Earth of tomorrow.