How it began

In 1999 today's president of the Foundation was invited to support activities for development in Ethiopia.

 

The activities envisioned to fight soil erosion and plant Chestnut trees in Ethiopia. Chestnut trees were seen to protect against soil erosion, provide relatively protein rich nutrition for humans and animals, provide fire wood as well as prohibit withering of the grounds thanks to it's shade.

 

Back then, the president was about to get retired after decades of economical leadership and thus open for new challenges after his retirement.

from vision to action

In 2000, the president visited Ethiopia for the first time to assess the different projects. On visiting the sites, he got convinced of the need to sustainably fight the ever growing erosion.

 

At the same time, the willingness to support Ethiopian people, especially to actively support poor private farmers, kept on growing. The experiences and on site impressions lead to the decision to establish a Foundation called Green Ethiopia.

and today

In autumn 2000 the foundation was officially established.

 

Since 2000 the foundation is

• legalized and registered in the companies' register as charitable foundation
• accredited by the federal department of internal affairs, which at the same time is the surveillance authority
• tax-exempted by Zurich tax authority

and started it's activities in 2000 with the name "Foundation Green Ethiopia"

 

Short name:

GET for:

G = Green

ET = Ethiopia (international country code)