The Nobel Peace Prize

Wangari Maathai on her reaction to winning the Nobel Peace Prize
“At first, I was overwhelmed. The Peace Prize is an honor like no other. I was surprised because I had no idea that anyone was listening. I quickly realized that although I had been given this great honor, the honor was not just for me. It was also for the thousands of women who planted 30 million trees throughout Kenya as part of the Green Belt Movement. It was also for those who worked to bring back democracy to Kenya through peaceful means, which we did in 2002.

I believe the Nobel committee was sending a message that protecting and restoring the environment contributes to peace; it is peace work. That was gratifying. I always felt that our work was not simply about planting trees. It was about inspiring people to take charge of their environment, the system that governed them, their lives and their future. With the Prize I realized that the world was listening.

Just about an hour after receiving the news, I celebrated by planting a tree in Nyeri, my home region, in the face of Mount Kenya. Throughout my life, the mountain has been an inspiration, as it was to generations before me. I called on all those who care for the environment around the world to plant a tree, too. I hope millions are planted.”

• Read the Nobel Citation
• Read the Statement from Nobel Peace Prize Committee Chairman, Ole Danbolt Mjoes
• Read World-Wide Reactions to Wangari Winning the Nobel Prize
• View images of the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony and Concert