Green Belt Movement International

Green Belt Movement International is one of the most prominent grassroots women’s organizations in the world. Based in Kenya, we advocate for human rights, good governance, and peaceful democratic change through the protection of the environment. Our mission is to empower communities worldwide to protect the environment and to promote good governance and cultures of peace.

The Green Belt Movement was founded in 1977 by Wangari Maathai, the first African woman and the first environmentalist to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (in 2004). What began as a grassroots tree-planting program to address the challenges of deforestation, soil erosion, and a lack of water is now a vehicle for empowering women and their families. The act of planting a tree is helping women throughout Africa become stewards of the natural environment. In so doing, they are  also becoming powerful champions for sustainable management of resources such as water, equitable economic development, good political governance, and ultimately…peace.

To date, more than 45 million trees have been planted across Kenya to protect critical watersheds, restore thousands of acres of indigenous forests, and empower thousands of women and their families. These women and their families are now living healthier and more productive lives and are standing up for their rights and those of their communities.

A healthy natural world is at the heart of an equitable and peaceful society. And protecting the environment is something every individual can take part in.