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2025 Laureate
- Wanjira Mathai
- Chair of the Green Belt Movement and WRI Africa Director
Wanjira Mathai carries forward the legacy of her mother, Wangari Maathai, by leading efforts to restore ecosystems and strengthen climate resilience across Africa. Through the Green Belt Movement, she has planted 51 million trees and spearheaded the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), which aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Restoring Africa’s Ecosystems and Building Climate Resilience • Planting 51 Million Trees:The Green Belt Movement goes beyond planting trees to drive reforestation, environmental education, and sustainable community development. • AFR100 Initiative:In partnership with 31 African nations, the initiative has restored 30 million hectares of degraded land, with a goal of 100 million hectares by 2030. Empowering Women for Sustainable Development • wPOWER Program:Supported over 5,000 women entrepreneurs in renewable energy, promoting economic independence and access to clean energy. Integrated Approach to Environment and Economy • As WRI Africa Director, Wanjira Mathai advances sustainable solutions that integrate environmental restoration with economic growth, laying the foundation for a sustainable future
51 million Trees Planted Across Africa
Wanjira Mathai and the Green Belt Movement: A Beacon of Ecological Restoration.
Since 1977, the Green Belt Movement, founded by Wangari Maathai, has expanded under Wanjira Mathai’s leadership to plant over 51 million trees. The movement has grown into a grassroots force for environmental conservation, economic development, and social change across Africa.
In 2023, the AFR100 initiative, led by Mathai, achieved the restoration of 30 million hectares of degraded land, enhancing biodiversity, water security, and soil fertility while fostering economic opportunities for local communities.
Women Leading the Renewable Energy Transition
Empowering Women through the wPOWER Program
Mathai has championed renewable energy entrepreneurship for African women through the wPOWER program, providing training to over 5,000 women. These entrepreneurs promote solar power and sustainable energy solutions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy access in underserved regions.
Reviving Africa’s Degraded Landscapes
AFR100 Initiative: Breathing Life into the Land
As Global Partnerships Director at WRI Africa, Wanjira Mathai leads the AFR100 initiative, which collaborates with 31 African nations to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. To date, 30 million hectares have been restored, creating jobs, enhancing livelihoods, and boosting agricultural productivity.
Reviving Africa’s Degraded Landscapes
AFR100 Initiative: Breathing Life into the Land
As Global Partnerships Director at WRI Africa, Wanjira Mathai leads the AFR100 initiative, which collaborates with 31 African nations to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. To date, 30 million hectares have been restored, creating jobs, enhancing livelihoods, and boosting agricultural productivity.
Wanjira Mathai
- Born
- 1971
- Country
- Kenya
- Reason for Award
- Wanjira Mathai has provided innovative and sustainable solutions for ecosystem restoration and climate resilience in Africa. Her work highlights the importance of harmony between the environment and communities, inspiring global action for conservation.
