2006 Goldman Environmental Prize Ceremony: Wangari Maathai
An introductory speech by Nobel Prize winner, Wangari Maathai.
The Goldman Environmental Prize is the world’s largest award for grassroots
environmentalists. Awarded annually since 1990, the Prize is given to environmental heroes from the six continental regions of Africa, Asia, Islands & Island Nations, Europe,
North America and South & Central America.
The Prize is announced in April every year, to coincide with the international
celebration of Earth Day. It includes a trip to San Francisco to accept the cash award of $125,000 per winner. Recipients receive a bronze sculpture that interprets the crosscultural motif of a snake with its tail in its mouth. Known as the ouroboros, this symbol is associated with nature’s powers of renewal.
The purpose of the Prize is to recognize sustained and significant efforts to preserve the natural environment, including, but not limited to, protecting endangered ecosystems and species combating destructive development projects; promoting sustainability; influencing environmental policies;and striving for environmental justice.
Learn more at http://www.goldmanprize.org
Duration : 0:7:35
The devastating rate of deforestation in British Columbia spurred TZEPORAH BERMAN into action. A plan to pursue law and academics was quickly dropped for environmental action and in 2000 Berman co-founded ForestEthics. This not-for-profit organization aims to promote environmental leadership in industry, governments and local communities. Their campaigns have inspired change in the environmental practices of corporations like Dell, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Victoria’s Secret. But it doesn’t end there. Berman’s passion and dedication to the environment are boundless and continue to propel the efforts of ForestEthics.