Speech to the Rotarians
Rotarian Conference, Chicago
June 22, 2005
Wangari Maathai signing books and meeting supporters in the Great Hall of Cooper Union in New York City, March 8, 2005. Photo by Juliana Thomas.
The President, Mr. Glenn Estess, Honorable Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Allow me to thank you most sincerely for your warm invitation to attend this convention and to congratulate you for 100 years of service to humanity.
It has always been a pleasure to interact with Rotarians in Kenya when they invited me to share our experiences in working for the environment. It is inspiring to watch you carry out your services with passion, commitment and respect. In the Green Belt Movement I have learned that we must also be persistent and patient. This is because many of the challenges we face cannot be solved overnight and without involving those we try to help so that they can learn to help themselves.
When I accepted to join you at this convention it was partly because I wanted to participate in this historic meeting and share the spirit of celebration and the vision for the future. It was also because I recognize that the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to me is also partly symbolic. This recognition is intended to honor and encourage organizations and individuals who work for peace, good governance and environmental sustainability. I am here therefore, to also honor and applaud you for the joy you bring to those you serve.
Serving others is a wonderful way to experience life and I am sure that you are looking to the next 100 years with enthusiasm and even greater commitment. We know that our greatest gift is the fellowship, friendship and the satisfaction we experience when we give of ourselves for the common good. We all believe that we can create a better world in which all people meet their basic needs like water, food, shelter and education. Also, justice and equity.
As you know, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, in awarding the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, made a historic decision on the role of sustainable management of the environment to peace. The Committee also drew attention to the linkage between those two themes and democracy. This decision was a very important shift and focus on our concept of peace and security.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the message to the world is that the environment matters and that all of us should actively participate in ensuring that it is managed sustainably and responsibly while resources must be shared more equitably. We should also recognize the need to protect the diversity of species and the role they play in our evolutionary process. We know that can only happen if there is democratic space, where the rule of law is respected, where human rights, including women the rights are respected and indeed rights of the minorities and vulnerable members of society. Power and privileges should be used for the benefit of the governed, who should also be treated with respect and dignity.
We may feel that since we give to the poor, attend to the street children and give alms, we have done our part. But it is also important for us to work for a more just and equitable society. Everybody needs respect and dignity and there is a lot of indignity in poverty brought about by injustices and inequities. For that reason it is important for us to work for good governance. Let us continue to be our brothers’ keeper especially with respect to rights and equity. In this connection we should contribute towards the realization of the Millennium Development Goals especially in pursuit of making poverty history. This is an area we may prefer to leave to politicians, but we need to extend a hand of friendship and solidarity to the weak and vulnerable in our societies.
It is equally important to nurture cultures of peace through deliberate teaching about compassion, tolerance and dialogue. Also, learning to listen to each other and respecting each other. Deliberately preventing abuse, humiliation and exploitation of people and their resources. This is because without cultivating such cultures of peace there are always elements in our societies who will abuse, humiliate and exploit those perceived to be weak and vulnerable. We live in a world where nurturing cultures of peace is badly needed and in this respect I commend you for the bridges you build in your communities.
As people looked for the linkage between environment, democracy and peace I found inspiration in the metaphor of the traditional African three-legged stool. In my community, traditional council elders carried such stools to council meetings. Both the elders and the stools and indeed the staff the elders carried, served as symbols of good governance, authority, wisdom and justice.
In my metaphor, the three legs of the stool represent three pillars of any stable state. The first leg represent the environment, the second leg democracy or good governance and the third leg peace. The extent to which a state is able to manage these pillars sustainably, responsibly and accountably, is the extent to which it will be peaceful and stable. Also, the extent to which its citizens will realize peace, security and development. A state with only one or two legs will be unstable and vulnerable. A state without a leg fails and often collapses into anarchy, conflict and civil war.
Both the basin of the stool and the legs are cut from the same log and are slowly chiseled into shape simultaneously. The artist shaping it is like a porter, turning and molding into form a balanced stool with a deep basin on which to seat. Just as the three legs are not cut apart and fixed to the body of the stool, so the environment, democratic principles and peace are not worked on externally and inserted into a state or society. They have to be consciously and deliberately worked on by all citizens but especially by leaders and those of us who are more privileged and able.
The basin of the stool rests on the three legs and provides a space, a milieu or forum or a platform, where citizens experiencing respect and dignity, and indeed safety and peace can be creative and productive. Where development and progress can take place. In such a space, citizens exude confidence, work hard and develop a sense of purpose. These are facts we experience everyday in our own countries and regions. This is the linkage that the Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized and is challenging the world to embrace. Is it possible for us humanity to pre-empt wars and conflicts by working on the causes of wars and conflicts? When we look at most of the wars and conflicts in the world, do we not clearly recognize that they are often being fought over resources? Are the questions not who will access, control and use them? Who will be excluded? Who will own them and exploit them? Who should be abused, humiliated and expended with? When people feel excluded on the basis of their weakness and vulnerability, gender, race, color, religion and other isms, they may become angry, hateful, frustrated and desperate. They can become intolerant and eventually act out their desperation and anger. In the process such people threaten peace and security.
The Green Belt Movement still faces huge challenges: deforestation especially of watershed areas and forests, soil loss, desertification, inadequate clean drinking water, loss of biodiversity and climate change. We have been especially concerned about the Congo Forest Ecosystem, which is the “second lung” of the world, second only to the Amazon Forest Ecosystem in size and importance for biodiversity conservation and stabilization of the world climate.
Eleven heads of States in the sub-region have come together to address the problems facing the Ecosystem and manage it more sustainably. We are recommending that G8 leaders consider their Convergence Plan and support them. It should be part of the African Agenda presented by Prime Minister Tony Blair. This forest is important not only to African but the whole world.
As we go forward I am reminded of the opportunity we each have to make a difference. Recently while on a visit to Japan, I learnt that in Japanese there is a Buddhist concept known as mottainai, which encourages respectful and sustainable management of resources. Its spirit is exemplified by Rotary international in the caring, giving, supporting, respecting and managing. It is also reflected in the 3R campaigns of reduce, reuse, repair and recycle available resources. As we go about our daily chores, it is possible to practice the spirit of mottainaiand avoid wastage of our scarce resources. We must remember that future generations will also have to meet their basic needs from the same resources.
During that visit to Japan I also visited Expo 2005 in Nagoya. The theme of the exposition is Nature’s Wisdom. It was there that I learned that each of us needs at least ten trees to absorb all the carbon dioxide we breathe out. I would like to challenge the delegates here to do something positive for the World Climate. If each of you will promise to plant ten trees by the end of the year, we could have an extra 400,000 trees planted! On my part, I promise that the Green Belt Movement and the Department of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment will plant ten trees for each delegate in the Aberdare forest. These trees can also be part of the Carbon credit project that I know some of you are familiar with. While we do wish to see green house gasses reduced, creating carbon sink through the Carbon credit project may we can work together. So are will ready to plant 800,000 trees before the end of the year?
Do you feel overwhelmed? Do not be. Be a hummingbird. Allow me to tell you the story of a hummingbird, which I also learned from Professor Suji of Japan:
The story is about a day in the forest when a huge fire broke out. All the animals fled, except this hummingbird, which decided to stay and put out the fire. It flew to the nearest river, picked up a drop of water with its tiny beak, flew back and poured that drop on the fire. It repeated this action over and over again, each time bringing a drop of water. The other animals watched from a distance, laughing and mocking the hummingbird. The harder they laughed, the harder the hummingbird worked. It remained committed, persistent and patient. “What do you think you are doing?” the other animals asked, “You are too little for the big fire.” Without stopping her work, the bird answered, “I’m doing the best I can.” That’s what the rotary organization represents—persons who give the best of themselves to community. Congratulations and best wishes as you look into the future.
Thank you very much for the honor and privilege to be here with you today.
Allow me to thank you most sincerely for your warm invitation to attend this convention and to congratulate you for 100 years of service to humanity.
It has always been a pleasure to interact with Rotarians in Kenya when they invited me to share our experiences in working for the environment. It is inspiring to watch you carry out your services with passion, commitment and respect. In the Green Belt Movement I have learned that we must also be persistent and patient. This is because many of the challenges we face cannot be solved overnight and without involving those we try to help so that they can learn to help themselves.
When I accepted to join you at this convention it was partly because I wanted to participate in this historic meeting and share the spirit of celebration and the vision for the future. It was also because I recognize that the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to me is also partly symbolic. This recognition is intended to honor and encourage organizations and individuals who work for peace, good governance and environmental sustainability. I am here therefore, to also honor and applaud you for the joy you bring to those you serve.
Serving others is a wonderful way to experience life and I am sure that you are looking to the next 100 years with enthusiasm and even greater commitment. We know that our greatest gift is the fellowship, friendship and the satisfaction we experience when we give of ourselves for the common good. We all believe that we can create a better world in which all people meet their basic needs like water, food, shelter and education. Also, justice and equity.
As you know, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, in awarding the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, made a historic decision on the role of sustainable management of the environment to peace. The Committee also drew attention to the linkage between those two themes and democracy. This decision was a very important shift and focus on our concept of peace and security.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the message to the world is that the environment matters and that all of us should actively participate in ensuring that it is managed sustainably and responsibly while resources must be shared more equitably. We should also recognize the need to protect the diversity of species and the role they play in our evolutionary process. We know that can only happen if there is democratic space, where the rule of law is respected, where human rights, including women the rights are respected and indeed rights of the minorities and vulnerable members of society. Power and privileges should be used for the benefit of the governed, who should also be treated with respect and dignity.
We may feel that since we give to the poor, attend to the street children and give alms, we have done our part. But it is also important for us to work for a more just and equitable society. Everybody needs respect and dignity and there is a lot of indignity in poverty brought about by injustices and inequities. For that reason it is important for us to work for good governance. Let us continue to be our brothers’ keeper especially with respect to rights and equity. In this connection we should contribute towards the realization of the Millennium Development Goals especially in pursuit of making poverty history. This is an area we may prefer to leave to politicians, but we need to extend a hand of friendship and solidarity to the weak and vulnerable in our societies.
It is equally important to nurture cultures of peace through deliberate teaching about compassion, tolerance and dialogue. Also, learning to listen to each other and respecting each other. Deliberately preventing abuse, humiliation and exploitation of people and their resources. This is because without cultivating such cultures of peace there are always elements in our societies who will abuse, humiliate and exploit those perceived to be weak and vulnerable. We live in a world where nurturing cultures of peace is badly needed and in this respect I commend you for the bridges you build in your communities.
As people looked for the linkage between environment, democracy and peace I found inspiration in the metaphor of the traditional African three-legged stool. In my community, traditional council elders carried such stools to council meetings. Both the elders and the stools and indeed the staff the elders carried, served as symbols of good governance, authority, wisdom and justice.
In my metaphor, the three legs of the stool represent three pillars of any stable state. The first leg represent the environment, the second leg democracy or good governance and the third leg peace. The extent to which a state is able to manage these pillars sustainably, responsibly and accountably, is the extent to which it will be peaceful and stable. Also, the extent to which its citizens will realize peace, security and development. A state with only one or two legs will be unstable and vulnerable. A state without a leg fails and often collapses into anarchy, conflict and civil war.
Both the basin of the stool and the legs are cut from the same log and are slowly chiseled into shape simultaneously. The artist shaping it is like a porter, turning and molding into form a balanced stool with a deep basin on which to seat. Just as the three legs are not cut apart and fixed to the body of the stool, so the environment, democratic principles and peace are not worked on externally and inserted into a state or society. They have to be consciously and deliberately worked on by all citizens but especially by leaders and those of us who are more privileged and able.
The basin of the stool rests on the three legs and provides a space, a milieu or forum or a platform, where citizens experiencing respect and dignity, and indeed safety and peace can be creative and productive. Where development and progress can take place. In such a space, citizens exude confidence, work hard and develop a sense of purpose. These are facts we experience everyday in our own countries and regions. This is the linkage that the Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized and is challenging the world to embrace. Is it possible for us humanity to pre-empt wars and conflicts by working on the causes of wars and conflicts? When we look at most of the wars and conflicts in the world, do we not clearly recognize that they are often being fought over resources? Are the questions not who will access, control and use them? Who will be excluded? Who will own them and exploit them? Who should be abused, humiliated and expended with? When people feel excluded on the basis of their weakness and vulnerability, gender, race, color, religion and other isms, they may become angry, hateful, frustrated and desperate. They can become intolerant and eventually act out their desperation and anger. In the process such people threaten peace and security.
The Green Belt Movement still faces huge challenges: deforestation especially of watershed areas and forests, soil loss, desertification, inadequate clean drinking water, loss of biodiversity and climate change. We have been especially concerned about the Congo Forest Ecosystem, which is the “second lung” of the world, second only to the Amazon Forest Ecosystem in size and importance for biodiversity conservation and stabilization of the world climate.
Eleven heads of States in the sub-region have come together to address the problems facing the Ecosystem and manage it more sustainably. We are recommending that G8 leaders consider their Convergence Plan and support them. It should be part of the African Agenda presented by Prime Minister Tony Blair. This forest is important not only to African but the whole world.
As we go forward I am reminded of the opportunity we each have to make a difference. Recently while on a visit to Japan, I learnt that in Japanese there is a Buddhist concept known as mottainai, which encourages respectful and sustainable management of resources. Its spirit is exemplified by Rotary international in the caring, giving, supporting, respecting and managing. It is also reflected in the 3R campaigns of reduce, reuse, repair and recycle available resources. As we go about our daily chores, it is possible to practice the spirit of mottainaiand avoid wastage of our scarce resources. We must remember that future generations will also have to meet their basic needs from the same resources.
During that visit to Japan I also visited Expo 2005 in Nagoya. The theme of the exposition is Nature’s Wisdom. It was there that I learned that each of us needs at least ten trees to absorb all the carbon dioxide we breathe out. I would like to challenge the delegates here to do something positive for the World Climate. If each of you will promise to plant ten trees by the end of the year, we could have an extra 400,000 trees planted! On my part, I promise that the Green Belt Movement and the Department of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment will plant ten trees for each delegate in the Aberdare forest. These trees can also be part of the Carbon credit project that I know some of you are familiar with. While we do wish to see green house gasses reduced, creating carbon sink through the Carbon credit project may we can work together. So are will ready to plant 800,000 trees before the end of the year?
Do you feel overwhelmed? Do not be. Be a hummingbird. Allow me to tell you the story of a hummingbird, which I also learned from Professor Suji of Japan:
The story is about a day in the forest when a huge fire broke out. All the animals fled, except this hummingbird, which decided to stay and put out the fire. It flew to the nearest river, picked up a drop of water with its tiny beak, flew back and poured that drop on the fire. It repeated this action over and over again, each time bringing a drop of water. The other animals watched from a distance, laughing and mocking the hummingbird. The harder they laughed, the harder the hummingbird worked. It remained committed, persistent and patient. “What do you think you are doing?” the other animals asked, “You are too little for the big fire.” Without stopping her work, the bird answered, “I’m doing the best I can.” That’s what the rotary organization represents—persons who give the best of themselves to community. Congratulations and best wishes as you look into the future.
Thank you very much for the honor and privilege to be here with you today.