Green Belt Movement – Kenya

The Green Belt Movement (GBM Kenya) 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 Kenya in 1977, under the auspices of the National Council of Women of Kenya.

The organization seeks to mobilize community consciousness for self-determination, equity, improved livelihoods and securities, and environmental conservation. Through its holistic approach to development, GBM Kenya addresses the underlying social, political, and economic causes of poverty and environmental degradation at the grassroots level.

GBM Kenya has used tree planting to realize its vision and mission in nine 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 Kenya has succeeded in promoting environmental consciousness, volunteerism, conservation of local biodiversity, self-empowerment, community development and accountability.

The core programs of GBM Kenya include: Environmental Conservation/Tree Planting; Civic & Environmental Education; Advocacy & Networking; Pan African Training Workshops; Green Belt Safaris (GBS); Women for Change (Capacity Building)

Executive Director: Wanjira Mathai

Contact:
The Green Belt Movement
P.O. Box 67545
Nairobi
Kenya
Tel: +254.20.3873057 / +254.20.3871523
Email: gbmi@verizon.net

Green Belt Movement International

The GBM philosophy and approach is based on the premise that truly sustainable development can only take place through recognizing the intimate and fundamental link between the environment, democracy, and peace. Global interest in this approach provides an opportunity to share this experience with other organizations around the world and to mobilize resources in support of this expansion; and to serve this role, the Green Belt Movement International (GBMI) has been established.

GBMI- Europe is a registered Charity No. 1112638, and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 5442006.
Programme Development Officer - Francesca de Gasparis
Tel: +44 (0) 207 549 0395
Fax: +44 (0) 207 549 0396

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VACANCIES

Advocacy Officer for the African Biodiversity Network. Full-time, based in Africa. More detail.

Gaia Learning Centre

2008 Programme of Events.

A range of workshops and evenings, to inspire and strengthen our relationship with the natural world and influence the choices we make in our daily lives.

** BOOK NOW **
Wild Law Workshop - 26-28 September - with the Environmental Law Foundation and the UK Environmental Law Association.

Earth Ethics Series

Summaries from recent Gaia Evenings.

Zero Carbon Britain - by Peter Harper

Restoring the Mythological Paradigm - by Jules Cashford

The Colombian Amazon: An Indigenous Peoples' Journey - by Dr. Martín von Hildebrand

Changing America's Environmental Laws - by Andrew Kimbrell.

Science's Changing Myth - by Prof. Brian Goodwin.

Countdown: Life on a Hotter Planet - by Mark Lynas.

A New Relationship with the Living Earth - by Dr. Rupert Sheldrake.

Get Involved

Other events and links to inspire you:

The Age of Stupid - the unmissable new climate change documentary for the big screen. Documentary footage, drama and cutting-edge animation asks "Why didn't we stop climate change when we had the chance?"

Earth is Community - DVDs
For anyone who was not able to make our Earth is Community event, celebrating the vision and path of Thomas Berry. A set of DVDs with the main presentations, now available.

Earth Community Network

Schumacher College and Bija Vidyapeeth offer residential courses on Earth democracy and sustainable living. Visit the Earth Community Network for more opportunities in experiential learning - in Brazil, Kenya, India, UK.