"The planting of trees is the planting of ideas. By starting with the simple step of digging a hole and planting a tree, we plant hope for ourselves and for future generations." Visionary, human rights advocate, environmental activist Wangari Maathai passed away on 25 September 2011 from cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of "firsts" including the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. Her organization, the Green Belt Movement, has planted over 35 million trees.

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  • Maria

    That one person makes a difference ,what a brave person Wangari Maathai

  • puti

    coming together as one people to growing trees is wonderful we are doing the same

  • Andy Prat

    Living the simple truth

  • Keira

    god, Africa's government is so bureaucratic...

  • ArunChikkop

    It's takes a lot of courage to plant a tree, in whose shade you will probably never sit.. Amazing women.. May her Soul rest in peace

  • ME Sorrell

    What inspired you about this video? That women in Africa are being more bold and more daring than women in the US who are liberals and are angry about the things that the very conservative Republicans are saying that twist the truth to their own ends.

  • Muiruri

    Wangari’s course was unique in that she chose to address, in a very basic way, what touched the core of every human being and in deed the entire biodiversity, not only in the present, but also for generations to come amid opposition born out of ignorance and greed. In more than enough occasions, she has been vindicated. As the people the world over mourn her, I bet that the trees, the rivers, the birds, fish and all manner of crawling organisms mourn her more and genuinely so. That is how deep her legacy went. It was in the grassroots, the reason why condolence books are in every corner of the country, and the messages are coming from the most unlikely persons, from the remote villages where she was most appreciated. And the internet is abuzz with similar messages.

  • paul muhia

    i mourn wangari wa green belt as we called her those years back in kanyariri ,muthure,rukubi..she introduced lunch at kayariri high school and used to give two ovacados per student during lunch hour..back on 1991 ...she really gave back to the community...stage ya green belt..on way to wangige...rip...mama mazingira..

  • Julieanne Case

    That one person can make a difference even when they are thought to be less than others! And she made for a better world showing others what can be done. She had a voice and she spoke it. Julieanne Case Always from the heart! Reconnecting you to your essence, joy, vitality, youth.| Healing you from the Inside Out |Reconnective Healing | AgeLoc Skin Care | Pharmanex Supplements http://thereconnectivehighway.com

  • sammi

    The achievements made by Wangari are indeed very significant. And what's most important - they will continued to impact positively on mankind for many years. As Kenyan, she is a real inspiration to me, and make many willing to take step now, however small it may be, today, for the benefit of all tomorrow. May her soul rest in peace.

  • Ken

    Here is a woman who had the courage to go against the customs of her country, and helped empower other women to do the same, until it became a national movement that literally changed her country and it's leadership. This kind of courage is rare and imspiring. It speaks to each of us that one person can make a difference.

  • Nalini

    The determination of one person who believes in an idea, and then see it through come hell or high water. Also, taking so many others along with her to achieve such a great project. Having been born and brought up in Kenya, I feel very sorry for the people who have to fight for their basic rights, although they are so rich in their natural resources. May Wangari Maathai's soul be in peace and blessing others to take this project forward.

  • Neil

    Ideas can be so powerful, but it takes great courage from individuals to enact changes, especially in these oppressive and often brutal regimes. I can't help see the similarities between this footage and the footage coming out of the Arab states that are undergoing revolutionary changes at the moment - or even looking back on material about Rosa Parks. There's such a common thread to be seen.

  • Page 1

  •  Read a synopsis of Wangari Maathai's life and work - a life of "firsts."
  •  Learn more about the Green Belt Movement, which started in Kenya, but now works internationally to empower communities to protect the environment and to promote good governance and cultures of peace worldwide.
  •  As the proverb goes:  "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.  The next best time is now." Plant a tree, even a virtual one.

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