Nominations are now open for the Wangari Maathai Award 2014 which recognizes outstanding individuals who are improving our forests and the lives of people who depend on them.

The award is coordinated by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), of which the World Agroforestry Centre is a member. It was first launched in 2012 to honor and commemorate the work of Wangari Maathai who championed forest issues around the world.

Nominations need to show how the nominees’ work reflects the spirit of Wangari Maathai's work, and raises awareness of the importance of forests to rural livelihoods, the empowerment of women and the environment. Nominations should also highlight how nominees have empowered others to conserve and sustainably manage forests.

An international jury of renowned personalities will review the nominations, taking into consideration such elements as empowering women and civil society, fostering social commitment, promoting networks and improving the valuation of forests in society.

Nominations are due by 30 May 2014 and the winner will receive US $20 000 as well as international recognition for their work.

For more information, see: http://www.cpfweb.org/77034/en/

See also: Wangari Maathai – may you rest in peace in the shade of celestial forests