UMB honours Wangari Maathai by planting an oak tree
Joanna Boddens-HosangRector Hans Fredrik Hoen, Prorector Ruth Haug, Prof. Gufu Oba and Kenyan research assistant Jared Mullah commemorated former honourary doctor Prof. Wangari Maathai by planting an oak tree in her memory on 14 October.
Several staff and students assembled during the short commemoration ceremony on Friday. Prof. Ruth Haug spoke of Prof. Maathai's accomplishments during her life and the importance of her legacy. Prof. Maathai was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She received the prize in acknowledgment for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.
Rector at tree planting ceremony honouring Wangari Maathai, 14 October 2011.
Photo: J. Boddens-Hosang
Since the 1980s, more than 40 million trees have been planted in Maathai's home country, Kenya, and the Green Belt Movement, founded by Maathai, has expanded to several other countries.
Prof. Maathai received the UMB honorary doctorate in 1997 following a proposal by Noragric's former director Thor S. Larsen. The doctorate was bestowed upon her by former NLH rector Roger Abrahamsen during a visit to Kenya that year.
Prof. Maathai received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 and visited NLH/UMB early 2005. She died of cancer on 25 September.
Prof. Gufu Oba in action during tree planting ceremony honouring Wangari Maathai, 14 October 2011.
Photo: J. Boddens-Hosang
Ås Avis, the local newspaper, wrote about the event in this article.
Østlandets Blad wrote about "UMB honours former Nobel Prize winner" (in Norwegian) on 27 September 2011.
Updated: 17.10.11
Printerfriendly version
Del med en venn:
Department of International Environment and Development Studies
- Noragric
Phone: +47 64 96 52 00
Fax: +47 64 96 52 01
E-mail: noragric@umb.no
Postal address:
Noragric, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
P.O. Box 5003
NO-1432 Aas
Norway
Visiting/delivery address:
Universitetstunet 1 (Tivoli)
NO-1432 Ås
Phone: +47 64 96 52 00
Fax: +47 64 96 52 01
E-mail: noragric@umb.no
Postal address:
Noragric, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
P.O. Box 5003
NO-1432 Aas
Norway
Visiting/delivery address:
Universitetstunet 1 (Tivoli)
NO-1432 Ås