The enduring legacy of Prof. Wangari Maathai serves as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future, resonating not only within the borders of Kenya but echoing on the global stage. Every year on the 3rd of March, the continent unites to celebrate African Environment Day, also named Wangari Maathai Day, paying homage to her remarkable contributions. In Kenya, the mention of her name evokes fresh memories of her struggle against the establishments and politically connected land grabbers at the tail end of the last century. It is out of her struggle that Kenyans continue to enjoy green spaces such as the Karura Forest and the recently refurbished Uhuru Park right at the heart of Nairobi City.
Her legacy not only underscores the role women have historically played in conservation but also calls for their inclusion in addressing climate change in this century. Rural women, rely on agriculture and wood fuel, continuously face a greater burden of coping with the impacts of climate change. This directly affects their income and their household’s living standards. Through her project, the Green Belt Movement she not only involved women in climate action through nature-based projects but also provided access to livelihood significantly improving their living standards.
In our quest to achieve ecological sustainability, the Green Belt Movement’s sustainability model can serve as a benchmark for the 10 Billion tree cover campaign. By adopting this framework, the Ministry of Environment could ensure long-term employment and mass participation in the conservation of various ecosystems in Kenya. Currently, the noble idea has been diluted into a mere event-centric approach, with politicians taking centre stage. Adopting the Green Belt Movement’s framework in honor of Prof Wangari Maathai will ensure we attain a level of sustainability while having masses at the frontline.
In our generation, Prof Maathai’s legacy continues to shape voices that are inspiring climate action across the continent and on the global stage. If anything, Wangari Maathai was alive and spoke passionately in the recently concluded COP 28 through Environmentalist Elizabeth Watuthi who emphasized the need for international solidarity and collaboration in accelerating Climate Action. Other young voices like Rahmina Paullete, Joy Koech, Paul Kaluki, Anita Soina, Kevin Mtai and Abigael Kima are among those paying tribute to her legacy globally. The Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies (WMI) at the University of Nairobi stands as a beacon of hope, enriching academia with a special focus on research, training, and community empowerment. This institute is destined to shape Kenya's environmental and climate policy landscape, providing insights for sustainable and climate-resilient development pathways.
As I conclude I am reminded of the great professor’s quote, "It is the little things citizens do that will make the difference."