UPSC Prelims 2007 Q6: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Prize winner from Kenya, is known for her contribution
to which one of the following?
- (a) Journalism
- (b) International economics
- (c) Sustainable development
- (d) Child development
Answer: (c) Sustainable development
Explanation
Wangari Maathai's contribution
| Field | Her actual recognition? |
|---|---|
| Journalism | No |
| International economics | No |
| Sustainable development | Yes — Nobel Peace Prize, 2004 |
| Child development | No |
Wangari Maathai, Kenyan environmentalist, won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize for founding the Green Belt Movement, a grassroots tree-planting and environmental conservation programme — her contribution falls under sustainable development.
Answer: (c) Sustainable development.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. She was not primarily a journalist.
- (b) Incorrect. She was not an international economist.
- (c) CORRECT. Her Green Belt Movement work falls under sustainable development.
- (d) Incorrect. Child development was not her focus; environmental conservation was.
Key point
Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize for sustainable development (Green Belt Movement, Kenya).
Remember
Wangari Maathai's Nobel-recognised work: sustainable development (Green Belt Movement).
Common mistakes
- Confusing her Peace Prize with a Nobel Prize in a scientific field.
- Not connecting the Green Belt Movement to the sustainable-development category.
- Mixing her up with other African Nobel laureates (e.g., Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu).
Exam tip
Wangari Maathai = Kenya + Green Belt Movement + sustainable development + 2004 Nobel Peace Prize.
Sources
- Nobel Prize — The Nobel Peace Prize 2004 (Wangari Maathai), press release
- Wangari Maathai — Unbowed: A Memoir (Knopf, 2006)