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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20125 Marks
Q51.

The first such prize in 1999. (AWARD)

How to Approach

This question is a simple fill-in-the-blank, testing general knowledge. The key is to recall the recipient of the first Right Livelihood Award in 1999. A concise and direct answer is expected. No elaborate explanation is needed, but a brief mention of the award's significance can add value. The answer should be accurate and demonstrate awareness of international awards related to human rights and environmental protection.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the "Alternative Nobel Prize," is an international award established in 1980 by Jakob von Uexkull, a Swedish-German philanthropist. It honors individuals and organizations working on practical and exemplary solutions to global challenges, particularly in the areas of environment, peace, and human rights. The award aims to highlight efforts often overlooked by the mainstream Nobel Prizes. The first such prize was awarded in 1999 to a pioneering figure in the field of sustainable agriculture.

The answer to the question "The first such prize in 1999. (AWARD)" is Wangaari Maathai.

Wangaari Maathai and the Right Livelihood Award

Wangaari Maathai, a Kenyan environmental and political activist, received the Right Livelihood Award in 1999 for her work founding the Green Belt Movement. This movement, established in 1977, focused on empowering women and communities through tree planting, combating deforestation, and promoting sustainable development.

The Green Belt Movement

  • Focus: Primarily focused on addressing the environmental degradation and poverty in Kenya.
  • Methodology: Involved mobilizing women to plant trees, providing them with a source of income and empowering them to participate in environmental conservation.
  • Impact: Planted over 51 million trees across Kenya, contributing to soil conservation, water management, and biodiversity preservation.

Significance of the 1999 Award

The awarding of the Right Livelihood Award to Wangaari Maathai in 1999 was significant for several reasons:

  • It brought international attention to the importance of community-based environmental initiatives.
  • It highlighted the role of women in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
  • It recognized the link between environmental degradation, poverty, and social injustice.

Later Recognition

Wangaari Maathai’s work continued to gain recognition, culminating in her being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, becoming the first African woman to receive this honor. This further solidified the importance of her work and the Green Belt Movement on the global stage.

Award Year Recipient Reason
Right Livelihood Award 1999 Wangaari Maathai Founding the Green Belt Movement and empowering women through tree planting.
Nobel Peace Prize 2004 Wangaari Maathai Contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wangaari Maathai was the recipient of the first Right Livelihood Award in 1999, recognizing her groundbreaking work with the Green Belt Movement. Her efforts demonstrated the power of community-based environmental initiatives and the crucial role of women in achieving sustainable development. Her legacy continues to inspire environmental activists and advocates for social justice worldwide, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental protection, poverty reduction, and peace.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Right Livelihood Award
An international award established in 1980 to honor individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary solutions to global challenges, often referred to as the "Alternative Nobel Prize."
Deforestation
The clearing of forests for other land uses, such as agriculture, urbanization, or logging. It has significant environmental consequences, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.

Key Statistics

The Green Belt Movement planted over 51 million trees in Kenya by 2006.

Source: Green Belt Movement official website (as of knowledge cutoff)

Kenya's forest cover was approximately 7.6% in 2010, a significant decline from historical levels, highlighting the urgency of reforestation efforts.

Source: Kenya Forest Service (as of knowledge cutoff)

Examples

Chipko Movement

Similar to the Green Belt Movement, the Chipko Movement in India (1973) involved villagers, primarily women, hugging trees to prevent them from being felled, demonstrating community-based environmental activism.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the significance of the term "Right Livelihood"?

The term "Right Livelihood" refers to a way of earning a living that is ethically and environmentally sound, contributing to the well-being of both people and the planet. It emphasizes sustainable practices and social responsibility.

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