Ethiopia is hosting a meeting of all African countries, as part of the preparation for a global nature summit next year. The continent is home to some of nature’s most iconic species, and conservation success stories. But it’s also on the frontlines of a poaching crisis, and full of natural resources that many companies want to dig, cut, and burn for profit.

Any plan to save life on Earth must have strong support from African countries -- and the host nation will be key. Let’s write to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and inspire him to build African support to the plan to protect half the planet -- Avaaz will collect all the amazing letters, print them in one beautiful book, and deliver them to him and his team! 

Before you write - getting to know Abiy Ahmed:

1. Abiy is the youngest of 13 children. His father is Muslim and his mother is Christian. When violent unrest broke out between the two religious communities he actively engaged in a peace forum for reconciliation.
2. His childhood name was Abiyot (English: "Revolution"). And he seems to be truly revolutionary. Protests toppled the previous government which ruled though state censorship and brutality, and now under Abiy, Ethiopia appears to be rapidly changing.
3. In just a few months, Abiy has ordered the release of thousands of prisoners, allowed dissidents to return home and unblocked hundreds of websites and TV channels.
4. He’s arrested those suspected of corruption, and has appointed woman to half of his cabinet, including the President.
5. He has also ended the war with neighbouring Eritrea, one of the longest conflicts in Africa, by agreeing to give up disputed border territory.
6. According to Abiy, if there is to be political progress in Ethiopia, "then we have to debate the issues openly and respectfully. It's easier to win people over to democracy than push them towards democracy. This can only succeed peacefully and through political participation."
7. He’s also shaking things up for the environment - launching a crowdfunding campaign aimed to developing green and clean spaces along the polluted river in the capital Addis Ababa.
8. He loves to exercise, and says that physical health goes hand in hand with mental health and as such, will appreciate the health benefits of protecting nature.
9. Abiy is a devout Pentecostal Christian.

Need more info - there’s a short briefing here.

Want to send a physical letter? Mail it to Avaaz at this address and we will include in the package: 27 Union Square W, Suite 500 New York, NY 10003, USA.