"Wangari Maathai: Honored as Forest Champion - Award Winner"

Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Award: Honoring a Green Legacy

a woman is holding an award plaque and smiling
a woman is holding an award plaque and smiling

The Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Award is an annual recognition program that celebrates individuals and organizations making significant contributions to forest conservation and restoration. Established in 2011, this prestigious award honors the legacy of the late Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmental and political activist, and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

a woman in a blue dress sitting next to a tree
a woman in a blue dress sitting next to a tree

About Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai (1940-2011) was a trailblazing figure in the global environmental movement. She founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya in 1977, which focused on planting trees and advocating for environmental conservation. Maathai's activism extended beyond environmental issues, as she also fought for women's rights and democracy in Kenya.

The Legacy of Wangari Maathai - Bioneers
The Legacy of Wangari Maathai - Bioneers

The Impact of Wangari Maathai

Maathai's impact on environmental conservation is immeasurable. Under her leadership, the Green Belt Movement planted over 51 million trees across Kenya. Her advocacy also led to the protection of the Karura Forest, a critical water catchment area in Nairobi. Maathai's work inspired a global movement, with tree-planting initiatives and environmental advocacy groups springing up across the world.

Dr. Wangari Maathai of Kenya winning the Nobel Prize. She recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. Her work centered around environmental issues in Africa.
Dr. Wangari Maathai of Kenya winning the Nobel Prize. She recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. Her work centered around environmental issues in Africa.

The Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Award

The Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Award aims to continue Maathai's legacy by recognizing and supporting individuals and organizations working to protect and restore forests. The award is presented annually during the International Day of Forests, celebrated on March 21.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

a smiling woman holding a small tree in her right hand and potted plant in the other
a smiling woman holding a small tree in her right hand and potted plant in the other
  • Individuals or organizations working in forest conservation, restoration, or advocacy.
  • Demonstrable impact and results in their field of work.
  • Innovative approaches to forest conservation and restoration.
  • Inspirational leadership and commitment to the cause.

Previous Winners

Year Winner
2011 Dr. A. H. Zewdie, Ethiopia
2012 Dr. Chiraz Latiri, Morocco
2013 Dr. Maria Fernanda Bernal, Colombia
2014 Dr. Anne-Marie Izac, South Africa
2015 Dr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Costa Rica
a man in a suit and tie shaking hands with a woman wearing an orange dress
a man in a suit and tie shaking hands with a woman wearing an orange dress

How to Apply or Nominate

Applications and nominations for the Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Award are typically open from October to December each year. Interested individuals and organizations can apply or nominate others through the official award website. The winner is selected by an independent jury comprising international forestry experts.

Wangari Maathai, héroïne des droits des femmes engagée contre la corruption environnementale
Wangari Maathai, héroïne des droits des femmes engagée contre la corruption environnementale
a woman is holding a fan and smiling
a woman is holding a fan and smiling
a woman standing in the woods holding a plant
a woman standing in the woods holding a plant
Wangarī Maathai
Wangarī Maathai
the green belt movement sharing the approach and experience by yanggari maathai
the green belt movement sharing the approach and experience by yanggari maathai
a woman in a blue dress and head wrap smiles at the camera while standing in an open field
a woman in a blue dress and head wrap smiles at the camera while standing in an open field
an advertisement for the women who changed the world through science and engineering, featuring a woman in a headscarf
an advertisement for the women who changed the world through science and engineering, featuring a woman in a headscarf
a woman holding a piece of paper in her hands with a quote on it that says,'it's the little things citizens do that's what will make the difference
a woman holding a piece of paper in her hands with a quote on it that says,'it's the little things citizens do that's what will make the difference
10 Most Unstoppable Women Ever
10 Most Unstoppable Women Ever
Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner In Death Reminds Us: Be A Hummingbird
Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner In Death Reminds Us: Be A Hummingbird
a woman in a yellow and black dress with a flower on her head, standing against a white background
a woman in a yellow and black dress with a flower on her head, standing against a white background
Wangari Maathai [Multimedia]
Wangari Maathai [Multimedia]
a woman is holding up a plant in front of her face and smiling at the camera
a woman is holding up a plant in front of her face and smiling at the camera
Wangari Maathai: Nobel de la Paz y cinturón verde de África
Wangari Maathai: Nobel de la Paz y cinturón verde de África
Prof. Wangari Maathai at 80: Tree planter, Nobel Prize laureate, revolutionary
Prof. Wangari Maathai at 80: Tree planter, Nobel Prize laureate, revolutionary
Africa's Nobel Peace Prize winners
Africa's Nobel Peace Prize winners
Client Challenge
Client Challenge
5,814 Corbis 1970 Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images
5,814 Corbis 1970 Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images
Post from Nobel Prize
Post from Nobel Prize

The Legacy Continues

The Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Award is more than just an accolade. It is a testament to the power of individual action and a call to continue Maathai's fight for a greener, more sustainable world. By recognizing and supporting forest champions, the award ensures that Maathai's legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to protect and restore our forests.

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