Through its holistic
approach to development,
the Green Belt Movement
addresses the underlying
social, political, and
economic causes of poverty
and environmental
degradation at the
grassroots level. Its
empowerment seminars help
people make critical
linkages between the
environment, governance,
and their quality of life.
Participants develop a deep
desire to better their own
lives and communities. As
they gain economic
security, they are willing
to protect shared resources
such as forests, public
parks, and rivers. The GBM
started by addressing a
serious problem with a
simple solution: getting
communities to plant trees
as a symbol of their
commitment. Today, this
approach is taking root
worldwide.