Maathai: Power of people, strength of collective will
By Editorial, March 3, 2025Today is Wangari Maathai Day.
In January 2012, the African Union (AU) adopted a decision calling for the joint commemoration of Africa Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day in recognition of the work and life of the late professor who dedicated her life to promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in Africa.
In 2004, she became the first African woman to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to “sustainable development, democracy and peace”. She authored several books including The Green Belt Movement; Unbowed: A Memoir; The Challenge for Africa; and Replenishing the Earth.
The Green Belt Movement, which she founded, continues to focus on addressing deforestation and environmental degradation and the greater impact of these factors on the livelihoods of rural women who bore the brunt of the negative environmental impact on agriculture and food security, thereby leading to disenfranchisement. She led the fight to protect water catchment areas, championing the growing of trees, environmental conservation, and women’s rights in Kenya.
Maathai, who died in 2011, remains an icon of conservation and a role model, an inspiration to many around the world committed to sustainable growth, peace and security. Her arguments around conflict and distribution of resources continue to resonate with many globally.
Her voice endures, calling for protection of the environment. However, President William Ruto’s actions are a mockery of the sacrifices that Maathai made. Her battles for the reclamation of Karura Forest are well documented. That is why the late Nobel laureate is turning in her grave over plans to grab part of the forest for a road project and hive off a section of Ngong Forest for a golf course and a restaurant.
In a statement, the Green Belt Movement implores the President to put “the future of our children and the integrity of our natural heritage at the forefront of your agenda”.
“We have, as a nation, disappointed the legacy of a woman who believed in the power of the people and the strength of our collective will to create a greener, more just Kenya.
“The time has come to walk the talk, to ensure that your policies reflect the values of conservation, justice, and progress that our country so desperately needs.”