The role of women in sustainable natural resource management and the fight against wildlife crime are major themes of this year’s Africa Environment Day, reports Standard Digital.

The event coincides with Wangari Maathai Day, commemorating the life and work of Africa's first female Nobel laureate, a champion of grassroots environmental activism and founder of the Green Belt Movement.

In honor of Wangari Maathai, a one-day Regional Forum on Women and Environment is being held on 4 March 2015 at the World Agroforestry Centre headquarters in Nairobi. It will feature expert panel discussions on gender equality in Africa and the impact of climate change and desertification on women and their response in addressing the challenges.

Africa Environment Day commenced in Kenya with the burning of 15 tonnes of contraband ivory by Kenya’s Presiden,t Uhuru Kenyatta. A week-long Kenya Wildlife Festival is planned to follow the day, providing an opportunity for more Kenyans to learn about wildlife through music, theatre and debate.

Read the full story: Africa celebrates Africa Environment day and Wangari Maathai day

Visit the World Agroforestry Centre’s tribute page to Wangari Maathai