By Iminza Keboge
Published September 25, 2016
A Kenyan has been appointed to lead a global civil society’s efforts in seeking environmental justice for Africans by Africans.
Njeri Kabeberi, with a long history in women’s rights activism, has been named as Executive Director for Greenpeace Africa as she possesses a combination of skills required to drive the organisation towards a people–powered movement.
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According to the Greenpeace Africa Board, Africans are hungry for a new story, one with a better take on nature, on humanity, their livelihoods, their future and their connection to the earth.
“It was critical to find someone who embodies passion, activism and understands the context of environmental justice in Africa and we are confident that Njeri represents that,”said Greenpeace Africa Board Chair Brian Kagoro.
Greenpeace is currently running four key issues across Africa: to protect the Congo Basin from large scale deforestation, stop over-fishing in West Africa, promote ecological farming in the horn of Africa as well as demand a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in South Africa in order to reverse the impacts of climate change.
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“We will continue to work on our flagship campaigns but more so, we shall be working closely with communities to ensure that our campaigns speak to the local realities on the continent and can effect change in the day to day life of our people†says Njeri Kabeberi, the newly appointed Greenpeace Africa Executive Director.
Kabeberi says “Africa has a major role to play in the global efforts to reverse climate change, protecting its vast natural forest and safeguarding its rich ocean resources is centre to the continent’s contribution in averting the catastrophic effects of climate change. It is important that the continent works together to push for an end to illegal logging, unsustainable fishing and a shift from industrial agriculture to ecological farming to ensure that our biodiversity is protected.”
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Njeri Kabeberi joins Greenpeace after serving as CEO of the Civil Society Reference Group and as the immediate former Executive Director of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy. She is also a member of the board of advisors of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and chairs the board of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict.
