Addis Ababa, Jan. 22(ENA)--Israeli experts of environmental protection announced plans to launch a greening pilot project in arid and semi-arid areas of northern Ethiopia in collaboration with the Relief Society of Tigray (REST).

They said, through the project they would share the experiences of Israel in developing various plants of environmental and economic value.

The announcement came here on Wednesday when a team of Israeli experts in the field held relevant discussions with President Girma Woldegiorgis.

According to leader of the delegation, Professor Dov. Pasternak, the sample project would be started in arid and semi-arid areas of the Tigray State where the weather is very similar with the Mediterranean region.

Thus, he said, denuded areas in the State could be changed into a well-conserved environment through planting drought-resistant and marketable species such as olive and vine trees.

The pilot project would be transformed into a permanent program touching other regions of the country, he said, adding the program would be called: "Trees from the Holy Land".

The need to forge such a cooperation arose to share the rich experiences of Israel in rehabilitating denuded lands with plantations that generate revenue, Dr. Debesay Senbeto, Head of the Relief Society of Tigray (REST) said on the occasion.

He said the Israeli experts in collaboration with REST had conducted in-depth study that would enable the launch of the pilot project.

President Girma told the Israeli experts that environmental protection was one major area into which Ethiopia needs foreign cooperation.

Pledging support for the success of the project, President Girma expressed hope that the undertaking would be expanded in other regions of the country as well.

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