Historical Figure

Wangari Maathai (1940–2011)

Date
1940–2011
Country

Evidence type: Documented history

Kenyan scientist and environmentalist, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (2004), “for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace”. In 1977 she started the Green Belt Movement, which encouraged women to plant trees against deforestation.

Example of her legacy: more than thirty million trees planted through the movement.