Wangari Maathai

Date of Birth: April 1, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 25, 2011

Biography

Wangari Maathai was a renowned Kenyan environmental activist and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Born in the Nyeri District of Kenya in 1940, Maathai was a pioneer in the environmental conservation movement. She founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an environmental organization that focuses on tree planting, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. Through her efforts, the movement planted over 51 million trees in Kenya and significantly contributed to raising awareness about environmental issues and the importance of sustainable development. Maathai’s work was not limited to environmental conservation; she was also a staunch advocate for democracy, human rights, and women’s empowerment. She served as a Member of Parliament and as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources in Kenya from 2003 to 2005. Her life’s work earned her numerous accolades and recognition worldwide, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. Wangari Maathai passed away on September 25, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of environmental stewardship and social justice.

5 Interesting Facts about Wangari Maathai

1. Wangari Maathai was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree.

2. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace.

3. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, which has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya.

4. She was an elected Member of Parliament in Kenya and served as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources.

5. In addition to her environmental work, Maathai was a strong advocate for women’s rights and democracy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Wangari Maathai

1. “It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.”

2. “We cannot tire or give up. We owe it to the present and future generations of all species to rise up and walk!”

3. “You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them.”

4. “In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground.”

5. “The generation that destroys the environment is not the generation that pays the price. That is the problem.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Wangari Maathai’s net worth was primarily derived from her academic career and her work with various non-profit organizations. Specific financial details are not widely documented, but her influence and impact were far greater than any monetary value.