On 25th September at 9:30 am family and friends of Professor Wangari Muta
Maathai, along with members of the Green Belt Movement (GBM), will gather
in Karura Forest to commemorate the second anniversary of Professor Wangari
Muta Maathai’s passing.
The Second Anniversary Memorial Service will bring together a diverse group
of Kenyans and international friends to celebrate Prof. Maathai’s life and
her outstanding achievements in environmental conservation, sustainable
development, democracy and peace. “As we celebrate and remember our
founder, Prof. Wangari Muta Maathai, we rededicate ourselves to keeping her
legacy alive,” said Pauline Kamau, Executive Director of the Green Belt
Movement. “Like the proverbial humming bird, we have no choice but to ’do
the best that we can’ for the planet and her peoples, Prof. Maathai showed
us how!” she added.
“Our hearts are full of memories and gratitude for her life and great
courage in the fight for the environment,” said Professor Vertistine B.
Mbaya, GBM Board member. “We return to Karura Forest to celebrate her
life and honor legacy because she loved Karura and so valiantly fought to
save the forest from destruction”, she added.
“We urge people of good will across Kenya and around the world to celebrate
Prof.Maathai’s life and keep her legacy alive by planting two trees and
commit to protect the environment in her memory”, said Duncan Okoth,
Project Officer – Corporate, GBM.
The Second Anniversary Memorial of Prof. Maathai will be held in Karura
Forest – access to the venue will be via the Limuru Road Gate. The Memorial
Service venue is wheelchair accessible and open to the public. All those
attending are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. All guests MUST
be seated by 9:30 am.
The Green Belt Movement (GBM)
GBM was founded by Professor Wangari Muta Maathai in 1977 in
Kenya. GBM is an environmental organization that empowers communities,
particularly women, to conserve the environment and improve livelihoods.
GBM uses a watershed-based approach to its activities underpinned by
Community Empowerment and Education programmes that ensure communities take
action and protect their natural environment. To date over 51 million
trees have been planted and hundreds of thousands of women have lifted
themselves out of poverty; critical watersheds protected; and 1000s acres
of biologically rich forests protected. http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/