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Independent Lens

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai

Season 10 Episode 19

How does the simple act of planting trees lead to winning the Nobel Peace Prize? Ask Wangari Maathai of Kenya. In 1977, she suggested rural women plant trees to address problems stemming from a degraded environment. Under her leadership, their tree-planting grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, defend human rights and promote democracy, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize.

Aired: 02/29/12
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