Goldman Environmental Prize Winner Receives Nobel Peace Prize; Wangari Maathai Earns Top International Honor for Commitment to Environment

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Goldman Environmental Prize Winner

Receives Nobel Peace Prize; Wangari Maathai Earns Top International

Honor for Commitment to Environment

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Goldman Environmental Prize Winner

Receives Nobel Peace Prize; Wangari Maathai Earns Top International

Honor for Commitment to Environment

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, Oct. 8 -/E-Wire/Business Wire/-- Goldman Environmental Prize winner Wangari Maathai today received the Nobel Peace Prize for her diligent work and dedication to the environment of Kenya and its people. Maathai is the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

"The Goldman Environmental Prize first recognized Maathai in 1991 and has supported her commitment to preserving African habitats," said Richard N. Goldman, president of the Goldman Environmental Foundation. "We can think of no one more deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize than Wangari, who has worked tirelessly to revive forests, preserve habitats, encourage economic growth, and protect human rights. We are extremely proud to have her as a Goldman Laureate and that her accomplishments continue to gain recognition."

Maathai was one of six individuals worldwide to be honored with the Goldman Environmental Prize in 1991. Maathai launched Kenya's Green Belt Movement, a grassroots tree planting organization composed primarily of women aimed at curtailing the devastating social and environmental effects of deforestation and desertification. Today there are 5,000 grassroots nurseries throughout Kenya and more than 30 million trees have been planted. The Green Belt Movement has grown internationally, creating seminars for those interested in replicating its approach.

In addition, Maathai opposed Kenya's ruling party's plan to build a skyscraper in the only green space in downtown Nairobi in 1990. Despite the abuse she sustained from the government, Maathai's protests succeeded in stopping the 62-story skyscraper project. This accomplishment propelled Maathai into the Kenyan spotlight as one of the most controversial environmental activists. She is now in a position of power in the Kenyan government, working as Deputy Minister of the Environment.

When the Goldman Environmental Prize was established in 1990, its organizing committee asked heads of state for recipient recommendations. Then Kenyan President, Arap Moi had a unique response. He said he would support the Prize under one condition: "I will endorse the Prize only if you do not award the Prize to Wangari Maathai." The Prize did not accept his recommendation and subsequently awarded the Goldman Prize to Maathai.

About the Goldman Environmental Prize

The Goldman Environmental Prize allows individuals to continue winning environmental victories against the odds and inspire ordinary people to take extraordinary actions to protect the world. The Goldman Environmental Prize was created in 1990 by civic leaders and philanthropists Richard N. Goldman and his late wife, Rhoda H. Goldman. Richard Goldman founded Goldman Insurance Services in San Francisco. Rhoda Goldman was a descendant of Levi Strauss, founder of the worldwide clothing company.

The Goldman Environmental Prize winners are selected by an international jury from confidential nominations submitted by a worldwide network of environmental organizations and individuals. Prize winners participate in a 10-day tour of San Francisco and Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony and presentation, news conferences, media briefings and meetings with political, public policy, financial and environmental leaders.

Goldman Environmental Prize

Philip Cohen, [REDACTED-PHONE]

Steven Gottlieb, [REDACTED-PHONE]

[REDACTED-EMAIL]

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