GBM

Green Belt Movement

The Green Belt Movement (GBM) Kenya is a non-profit grassroots non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Kenya. Its mission is to mobilize community consciousness, using tree planting as an entry point, for self-determination, equity, improved livelihoods and security, and environmental conservation. From its early days, GBM advocated for greater democratic space and more accountability from national leadership. Over the years GBM has campaigned against deforestation, land grabbing and the encroachment of agriculture into forest areas. GBM joined others to call for the release of political prisoners, multi-party politics and democratic space. More recently for the new constitution in Kenya, GBM made significant contributions to the sections on land and the environment, and individual and environmental rights. Since 2009, GBM has extended its Civic & Environmental Education Seminars to include capacity building on climate change mitigation and adaptation. More than 70 extension officers have trained thousands of community members on climate change to enable their more effective engagement. As a result of GBM's programmes, there are over 4,000 community groups across Kenya and hundreds of thousands of women in rural Kenya have lifted their families out of poverty. GBM founder Wangari Maathai, who passed away in September 2011, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her work on the linkages between environment, peace and sustainable development.