Centre for Improved Rural Health and Environmental Protection (CIRHEP)

 

                       Building climate-resilient rural communities through women’s leadership, environmental justice,                                                                                                sustainable livelihoods, and holistic well-being since 1994.

                                            

For over three decades, CIRHEP has worked alongside rural and tribal communities in Tamil Nadu to strengthen community leadership, protect natural resources, and advance social and environmental justice. Our work focuses especially on supporting women community leaders who play a vital role in defending land, water, and livelihood rights.

We combine local knowledge with scientific and rights-based approaches to address climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequality. Through collective action, legal awareness, and community-based protection strategies, we support communities to adapt to climate challenges, secure their rights, and build resilient futures.

By working with women, farmers, youth, and Indigenous communities, CIRHEP promotes a development model where people are empowered to shape their own futures and protect the ecosystems on which their lives depend

Women Empowerment
Women Empowerment
Rooted in Culture, Growing Stronger: Empowering Tribal Communities
Rooted in Culture, Growing Stronger: Empowering Tribal Communities
Inspiring Young Leaders: Learning, Growing, Leading
Inspiring Young Leaders: Learning, Growing, Leading
“Strengthening Indigenous peoples’ land rights and self-determination through community-led action.”
“Strengthening Indigenous peoples’ land rights and self-determination through community-led action.”
“Community-led action for Indigenous land rights and women’s leadership.”
“Community-led action for Indigenous land rights and women’s leadership.”
Millet Matters: From Farm to Table for a Healthier Life
Millet Matters: From Farm to Table for a Healthier Life
Building Resilience: Tracking Change That Matters
Building Resilience: Tracking Change That Matters
Nature, Health & Future: Nurturing Young Minds
Nature, Health & Future: Nurturing Young Minds
“Women leaders building knowledge, confidence, and collective strength for their communities.”
“Women leaders building knowledge, confidence, and collective strength for their communities.”
Growing Organic, Growing a Better Future
Growing Organic, Growing a Better Future

                                 Mission

To strengthen community leadership and improve rural quality of life by promoting environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and rights-based development through the active participation of women and marginalised communities.

                                      Vision

Rural and tribal communities in Tamil Nadu are resilient, rights-aware, and capable of sustainably managing their natural resources while ensuring dignity, equality, and secure livelihoods for present and future generations.

                                          Our Core Values

Community Leadership – We believe lasting change is led by communities themselves, particularly women and marginalised groups.

Rights and Justice – We promote social and environmental justice and defend the rights of vulnerable communities.

Participation – We work through inclusive and democratic community processes.

Sustainability – We promote ecological balance and climate-resilient livelihoods.

Integrity and Accountability – We maintain transparency, ethical practice, and responsible governance.

Learning and Innovation – We combine traditional knowledge with scientific and rights-based approaches.

                                        Our Focus Areas

Women’s Leadership and Protection
Strengthening women community leaders through rights education, collective organising, and community-based protection mechanisms.

Environmental Justice and Watershed Management
Supporting communities to conserve land and water resources while defending environmental and livelihood rights.

Agroecology and Sustainable Livelihoods
Promoting organic and biodynamic farming to enhance food security, biodiversity, and farmer incomes.

Tribal and Indigenous Rights
Working with Adivasi communities to secure land rights, access services, and build sustainable livelihoods.

Adolescent Girls’ Leadership and Rights
Building leadership skills, rights awareness, and confidence among adolescent girls.

Health, Nutrition, and Community Well-being
Improving access to healthcare, nutrition, and psychosocial well-being for vulnerable populations.

Youth and Climate Justice
Supporting young people to engage in environmental protection and community action.

                                     Our Impact

Over the years, CIRHEP has contributed to:

• Restoration of over 15,000 hectares of degraded land through community-led watershed programmes.
• Formation and strengthening of more than 150 women-led self-help groups, improving economic independence and leadership.
• Improved climate resilience in over 100 villages through sustainable land and water management.
• Support to tribal and Indigenous communities to secure land and livelihood rights.
• Training of more than 2,000 adolescent girls in leadership, gender equality, and rights awareness.
• Engagement of over 5,000 children and young people in environmental education and climate action.

CIRHEP works towards a future that is climate-resilient, socially just, and rooted in community leadership.

                                                                              Current Projects and Programmes

“Young leaders participating in learning and action initiatives under the Future Earth Young Leaders Programme.”- Future Earth- Sweden
“Young leaders participating in learning and action initiatives under the Future Earth Young Leaders Programme.”- Future Earth- Sweden
“Community members participating in land and forest restoration activities under the Azim Premji Foundation–supported Land and Forest Development Project.”
“Community members participating in land and forest restoration activities under the Azim Premji Foundation–supported Land and Forest Development Project.”
“Field-level health research and data collection conducted in rural and tribal communities under the Azim Premji University Health Research Project.”
“Field-level health research and data collection conducted in rural and tribal communities under the Azim Premji University Health Research Project.”
“Tribal community leaders engaged in awareness and advocacy on land and territorial rights under the IWGIA-supported project.”
“Tribal community leaders engaged in awareness and advocacy on land and territorial rights under the IWGIA-supported project.”
“Women community leaders participating in a rights-based programme on land, livelihood, and environmental justice supported by Urgent Action Fund Asia & Pacific.”
“Women community leaders participating in a rights-based programme on land, livelihood, and environmental justice supported by Urgent Action Fund Asia & Pacific.”

                                                                Our Current Partners (National & International)

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