NAIROBI (BNO NEWS) -- Environmental and political activist Wangari Maathai, the first woman from Africa to be honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, died at a hospital in Kenya on Sunday, her family confirmed on Monday. She was 71.

Maathai died at a hospital in the capital of Nairobi on Sunday after a long struggle with cancer. "Her loved ones were with her at the time," her family said in a statement. "Professor Maathai's departure is untimely and a very great loss to all who knew her - as a mother, relative, co-worker, colleague, role model, and heroine; or who admired her determination to make the world a more peaceful, healthier, and better place."

Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977 where she mobilized hundreds of thousands of poor men and women to plant more than 47 million trees. She also worked with women to improve their livelihoods by increasing their access to resources like firewood for cooking and clean water. She became a great advocate for better management of natural resources and for sustainability, equity, and justice.

"Every person who has ever achieved anything has been knocked down many times. But all of them picked themselves up and kept going, and that is what I have always tried to do," Maathai once said. "You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them."

In October 2004 she was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. "Peace on Earth depends on our ability to secure our living environment. Maathai stands at the front of the fight to promote ecologically viable social, economic and cultural development in Kenya and in Africa," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in its 2004 announcement.

It added: "Maathai stood up courageously against the former oppressive regime in Kenya. Her unique forms of action have contributed to drawing attention to political oppression - nationally and internationally. She has served as inspiration for many in the fight for democratic rights and has especially encouraged women to better their situation."

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said it was saddened by the news of her death. "It was with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of this exceptional environmental activist," a statement on behalf of Nelson Mandela and the organization said. "Prof Maathai has left a lasting legacy in greater awareness and work in protecting our environment and the world."

Maathai leaves behind three children - Waweru, Wanjira, and Muta - and a granddaughter, Ruth Wangari. "They are truly very grateful for all the prayers and support they have received," the family said in its statement.

The Green Belt Movement asked those wishing to express their condolences on Maathai's passing to do so on her official Facebook page. By 12.30 p.m. local time, more than 1,500 messages had been left.