Posted on September, 26 2011

It is with shock and sadness that WWF has learnt of the passing away of one of nature’s greatest ambassadors and defenders, Prof. Wangari Maathai.

WWF joins the people of Kenya, and the citizens of the world, in mourning our great global citizen and heroine.

“Wangari Maathai was a great inspiration for many of us at WWF. Her death is a great loss not only for Africa but also the global environmental movement,” said James P. Leape, WWF’s Director General.

Her tenacity, perseverance and courage in the face of personal bodily harm provided a base for environmental work to progress in Kenya and beyond.

When Prof. Maathai was the Assistant Minister for Environment in Kenya, WWF was privileged to work with her to advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources, and the importance of saving nature with people.

Prof. Maathai was at the forefront of the conservation and protection of forests and water towers in Kenya. Many will remember Prof. Maathai’s drive for the protection of the Mau Forest Complex in Kenya, a critical water tower in the region. The very last opportunity that WWF had to interact with Prof. Maathai was in April 2010 during the drive to rehabilitate the Mau Forest Complex, an initiative that was led by the Government of Kenya.

Since 2004, WWF has supported forest restoration and effective management of remaining forest catchments in eastern Africa, with an initial focus on the Mau Forest Complex. In honour of Prof. Mathaai, WWF commits to continue her great work and provide the world with the legacy she legitimately deserves.

As the world mourns Prof. Maathai, WWF takes this moment to celebrate her achievements and contribution to the well being of the environment, and indeed mankind.

Rest in peace, Prof. Maathai, we will miss you.