Black-belt Greenbelt

Wangari Maathai Passes

Wangari Maathai, a hero, a leader, a role-model, and a true activist for peace, conservation, and women’s rights, passed away September 25, 2011. 

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (The President of Liberia) beautifully stated, “Africa, particularly African women, have lost a champion, a leader, an activist. We’re going to miss her. We’re going to miss the work she’s been doing all these years on the environment, working for women’s rights and women’s participation.”



Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts to save the environment via her campaign to save trees throughout Africa, and for her promotion of social, economic and cultural reforms. Professor Maathai was also the first African woman to be honored with the Nobel Peace Prize.



In her acceptance speech in 2004, Professor Maathai implored global industries to realize that profits are second to “economic justice, equity, and ecological integrity.” 

Professor Mathaai also founded the Green Belt Movement in Africa whose original goal was to counter deforestation through planting trees. As stated on their website, The Green Belt Movement furthered their mission “to mobilize community consciousness- using tree planting as an entry point- for self-determination, equity, improved livelihoods and security, and environmental conservation.”

Other goals for the Green Belt Movement include: advocating peace internationally; nurturing women’s and girl’s leadership and entrepreneurial skills; and sharing the Green Belt Movement’s programs globally.

Since its inception in 1977, the Green Belt Movement has grown to 2 branches (Kenya & International) with over 10 active projects.



The world has lost an amazing woman, a voice for African women, an advocate for peace, and an activist for ecology.



“There can be no peace without equitable development and there can be no development without sustainable management of the environment in a democratic and peaceful space.” – Professor Wangari Maathai



Read more at BBC News here and here and at the Greenbelt Movement.