Wangari Maathai

2004 Nobel Prize Laureate, Global Ambassador of Shaklee's A Million Trees. A Million Dreams™ campaign

In 2004, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Wangari Muta Maathai for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. She was the first woman from Africa to be so honored.

Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement where, for nearly thirty years, she has mobilized poor women to plant 30 million trees. Her methods have been adopted by other countries as well.

According to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, "We are all witness to how deforestation and forest loss have led to desertification in Africa and threatened many other regions of the world — in Europe too. Protecting forests against desertification is a vital factor in the struggle to strengthen the living environment of our common Earth."

Maathai was born in Nyeri, Kenya in 1940. She holds a degree in Biological Sciences, a Masters degree in Science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nairobi, where she also taught veterinary anatomy. She was chairman of the National Council of Women of Kenya 1981—87. Maathai is internationally recognized for her persistent struggle for democracy, human rights and environmental conservation. She has addressed the UN on several occasions. She and the Green Belt Movement have received numerous awards in addition to her Nobel Peace Prize.

Learn more about the Green Belt Movement.