Kenya's Maathai receives Nobel Peace Prize

[Esslinger]

Kenyan ecologist Wangari Maathai on Friday received the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in Oslo, becoming the first African woman and first environmentalist to receive the prestigious award.

Maathai -- dressed in a bright orange bubu dress with a matching headband -- accepted the traditional gold medal and diploma that accompanies the 10-million kronor ($1,1-million) prize from the chairperson of the Nobel Committee, Ole Mjoes, at a formal ceremony in Oslo's City Hall for her campaign to save Africa's forests and for being a "leading spokeswoman for democracy and human rights, and especially women's rights".

The 64-year-old Kenyan said protecting the environment is vital to promote peace and democracy.

"There can be no peace without equitable development and there can be no development without sustainable management of the environment in a democratic and peaceful space. This shift is an idea whose time has come," said Maathai.

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?cg=BreakingNews-InternationalNews&ao=176414

[Just Me]

1. This "passion for people" recipient would (will) be demonized,...

,...as have all her predecessors,...by this insane corporfascist society that infects our earth.

Yet,...she and the rest of our human spirit,...cannot be suppressed, ever.

I send both my LOVE and my SPIRIT to this woman.

[billyoc]

2. She's a very brave person.

She's been threatened and harassed for years. Wonder by who... :eyes:

[goforit]

3. The Tree Saint......Like in the Lord of the Rings.

What an honorable Humane soul!!!

We should do the same here. Quietly.

[Barkley]

4. That gives Africa FIVE Nobel Peace laureates

What an accomplishment.

Annan, DeKlerk, Mandela, Tutu.

I am proud them all and their work for peace!