Green Belt Movement (GBM)

The Green Belt Movement (GBM), founded in 1977 by Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai under the National Council of Women of Kenya (NCWK), is a leading environmental organization that empowers communities, particularly women, to conserve natural resources and improve livelihoods. GBM integrates climate resilience, gender advocacy, and sustainable development to address urgent challenges facing marginalized communities across Kenya.

The Green Belt Movement implements programs in reforestation, watershed restoration, climate change adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods. Through over 5,000 community-led nursery groups, GBM grows more than 8 million indigenous trees annually, including drought-resistant species such as Croton megalocarpus. Agroforestry initiatives, bamboo farming, beekeeping, and eco-tourism provide economic opportunities while promoting environmental conservation.

GBM follows a structured ten-step procedure that guides communities from awareness and group formation to tree planting, follow-ups, and long-term stewardship. The organization collaborates with Kenya Forest Service (KFS), local schools, volunteers, and the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to safeguard key water towers like Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range.

Through advocacy, the Green Belt Movement protects threatened forests and urban green spaces, including Karura Forest, Ngong Forest, and Uhuru Park, while promoting policies for sustainable natural resource management. Youth leadership programs and grassroots training equip communities with skills in environmental governance, climate justice, and public participation.

Guided by Wangari Maathai’s vision, the Green Belt Movement links environmental conservation with democracy, social justice, and community empowerment. Its global outreach includes partnerships in the United States and international advocacy on climate change, gender equality, and sustainable development.