Wangari Maathai Biography
Team Maathai
Date of birth: April 1, 1940

Born in Neyeri, Kenya

First woman to obtain a doctorate degree in Kenya

A few of the awards she has won:

1984-Right Livelihood Award

1991-Goldman Environmental Prize

1991-Africa Prize

1993-Edinburgh Medal

2004-Petra Kelly Prize

2004-Sophie Prize

2004-Legion d' Honneur: Government of France

2004-Nobel Peace Prize

Elected to Parliament in December of 2002

Helped women in Africa plant more than 30 million trees

Greatest Achievement:

"Showing her fellow Kenyans that the health of their forests and rivers and fields matters--for both Africa's future and the people's immediate health."