The Green Belt Movement has announced its launch of its first ever trekking challenge. A fantastic opportunity to climb Mount Kenya and fundraise for the Green Belt Movement.

The expedition is held over a 10-day period, from the 28th of October until the 6th November 2011. You will have a chance to explore the beautiful surroundings of Mount Kenya – an ancient extinct volcano that is 3 million of years old and the second highest peak in Africa at 5,199 meters (17,057 ft). Its steep peaks eroded by glaciers make this a challenging trek.

The Green Belt Movement is an indigenous grassroots non-governmental organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya, that takes a holistic approach to development by focusing on environmental conservation, community development and capacity building. Professor Wangari Maathai established the organization in 1977, under the auspices of the National Council of Women of Kenya.

The Green Belt Movement organizes women in rural Kenya to plant trees, combat deforestation, restore their main source of fuel for cooking, generate income, and stop soil erosion. Maathai has incorporated advocacy and empowerment for women, ecotourism, and just economic development into the Green Belt Movement.

Since Maathai started the movement in 1977, over 40 million trees have been planted. Over 30,000 women trained in forestry, food processing, bee-keeping, and other trades that help them earn income while preserving their lands and resources. Communities in Kenya (both men and women) have been motivated and organized to both prevent further environmental destruction and restore that which has been damaged.

In 2004, Wangari Maathai received the Nobel Peace Prize- becoming the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize – for her work with the Green Belt Movement. Her book, The Green Belt Movement is published by Lantern Books. Maathai is a leader in ecofeminist movement.

Via: greenbeltmovement