In memory of professor Maathai, who passed away on September 25, 2011, the Norwegian ambassador conveyed a tribute from the Norwegian Nobel Committee. He also expressed the following words of condolence from the Norwegian Government in front of the present press corpse:
"It was with great sadness the message was received that professor Wangari Mathaai had passed away.
She was highly respected and admired not only for her pioneer work for environmental protection and sustainable development, but also for her work for women’s rights and democracy.
She was among the first to set the agenda for tree planting and forest protection, and among the first to see and advocate the important connection between the environment and development.
Not only was she the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, but also the first to receive the prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.
She will be remembered as the very friendly and humble person she was, for her intellectual strength and for her strong and genuine conviction and ability to engage people.
Kenya and the international society have lost a bold and persuasive spokeswoman for the global work on sustainable development and democracy.
Her legacy will always remain with us. The deep sympathy of the Norwegian Government is hereby conveyed to professor Mathaai’s family, close friends and colleagues – and to the Kenyan people – for this significant and painful loss."
For condolences, visit the webpage of the Green Belt Movement.