Kenyan Eco-Warrior Won Nobel for Planting Millions of Trees

Wangari Maathai, a globally respected Kenyan environmentalist, passed away at the age of 71. She was celebrated as the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her significant contributions to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977 with the aim of reforesting Kenya by having women plant trees. This initiative was designed to combat erosion, provide firewood, and create employment opportunities.

Initially paying women a small sum to plant trees, her movement grew exponentially. The Green Belt Movement has since planted more than 30 million trees across Africa. It has also directly benefited nearly 900,000 women, inspiring similar environmental projects throughout the continent. Maathai was a powerful advocate, blending environmental activism with feminist and human rights advocacy.