Surfers Without Borders

The Green Belt Movement (GBM) is a grassroots non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Kenya that focuses on environmental conservation, community development and capacity building. Prof. Wangari Maathai established GBM in 1977, under the auspices of the National Council of Women of Kenya.

Our vision is to create a society of people who consciously work for continued improvement of their environment, and a greener, cleaner Kenya Our mission is to mobilize community consciousness for self-determination; equity, improved livelihoods securities and environmental conservation- using tree planting as an entry point. Guided by the values of volunteerism, love for environmental conservation, pro-action for self-betterment, accountability, transparency, and empowerment.

GBM works to realise its vision and mission through programs in tree planting/biodiversity conservation, civic & environmental education, advocacy & networking, food security, capacity building for women and girls and Green Belt Safaris. GBM also has a learning centre at Langata in Nairobi, which we rent out for seminars, workshops and accommodation.

The Green Belt Movement (GBM) is a grassroots non-governmental organization (NGO) that has worked in environmental conservation and community development in Kenya for over 25 years. Founded in 1977 by Prof. Wangari Maathai , GBM has used tree planting as an entry point to community development in 9 districts nationwide (Bungoma, Embu, Kisii, Machakos, Maragua/Muranga, Meru, Nyeri, South Nyanza, Trans Nzoia). While tree planting has always been the focal activity, GBM programs have expanded to include projects in indigenous tree planting, civic education, advocacy, food security, greenbelt eco-safaris, and "women and change". Through these projects GBM has succeeded in promoting environmental consciousness, volunteerism, conservation of local biodiversity, self-empowerment, community development and accountability.

For her work, Prof. Maathai and GBM have received numerous awards. Some of these include; The Nobel Peace Prize (2004), Sophie Prize (2004), Arbor Day award (2004), Conservation Scientist Award (2004), The Petra Kelly Prize for Environment (2004), WANGO Environment Award (2003), Outstanding Vision and Commitment Award (2002), Excellence Award from the Kenyan Community Abroad (2001), the Juliet Hollister Award (2001), the Golden Ark Award (1994), the Jane Adams Leadership Award (1993), the Edinburgh Medal (1993), UN's Africa Prize for Leadership (1991), the Goldman Environmental prize (1991), the Woman of the World (1989), the Windstar Award for the Environment (1988), the Better World Society Award (1986), the Right Livelihood Award (1984) and the Woman of the Year award (1983). Prof. Maathai was also listed on UNEP's Global 500 Hall of Fame and named one of the 100 heroines of the world. In June 1997, Wangari was elected by Earth Times as one of 100 persons in the World who have made a difference in the environmental arena. She has also received honorary doctoral degrees from several institutions around the world.

The core programs of GBM include:

• Environmental Conservation/Tree Planting
• Civic & Environmental Education
• Advocacy & Networking
• Pan African Training Workshops
• Green Belt Safaris (GBS)
• Women for Change (Capacity Building)