Another important example of an effort to expand democratic space and bring the voices of African people into decision-making processes is the formation of the African Union’s Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC). According to its Statutes adopted in 2004, ECOSOCC’s objective is to establish an assembly of civil society organizations from all African countries to facilitate dialogue between governments and civil society and to promote African civil society’s participation in implementing policies and programs of the African Union. It provides African civil society with an opportunity to have a voice during the AU Heads of State summit.

In 2005, I was asked to preside over the formation of this assembly and was proud to do so. I strongly believe that until a critical mass of Africans are sufficiently empowered to hold their leaders responsible and accountable, Africa’s resources will continue to be plundered for the benefit of others.

The Green Belt Movement is not alone in recognizing the importance of empowerment through environmental action. Indeed, thousands of other organizations around the world are educating and mobilizing citizens and instilling in them a sense of responsibility that deliberate, doable steps can and do make a difference. One such effort is The Billion Tree Campaign, which is an initiative that encourages people, communities, business and industries, civil society organizations, and governments to plant trees. Participants record their pledges on the campaign’s website. The campaign strongly encourages the planting of indigenous trees and trees that are appropriate to the local environment, demonstrating the power of organized efforts.

A Call to Action

It is imperative that humanity stops threatening its life-support system and starts treating the earth and its resources with respect. This is wonderfully articulated in the word mottainai, which is a Japanese concept that means “do not waste resources,” “have respect for the resources around us,” and “use them with a sense of gratitude.” It personifies the need to respect our environment and encapsulates the concept that the Green Belt Movement has been actively promoting for decades: reduce, reuse, and recycle. To this, we should add one more word: “repair.”

The concept of mottainai captures how each one of us can protect the environment through simple, deliberate, conscious efforts every day. We can use both sides of a piece of paper before discarding it; we can conserve water every time we turn on the tap; we can use public transportation; and we can always plant more trees. Finally, we must remember that while the rest of the species on the planet can survive without us, we cannot survive without them. In protecting the survival of other species and respecting their right to be, we can, in turn, ensure our own.