Stressing on the need to ensure energy independence, President A P J Abdul Kalam today said India must invest more in renewable energy sources for sustainable development of the planet.

“I believe that we must resolve to realise energy independence through the use of large proportion of renewable energy,” Kalam said at a function to honour renowned Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel laureate Wangari Muta Maathai with the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Lauding Prof Maathai’s role in the protection of the environment, Kalam said her passion for environment and bio-diversity was a model to be followed. “Prof Maathai has evolved a movement with 600 community networks across Kenya and branches in 20 countries resulting in the plantation of 31 million trees. Her mission should spread to all parts of the planet,” he said.

Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. She is the first African woman to receive the award.