Centre for Improved Rural Health and Environmental Protection (CIRHEP)

 

                “Building climate-resilient rural communities through environmental conservation,

                                sustainable livelihoods, and holistic well-being since 1994.”

For over three decades, CIRHEP has been working with rural and tribal communities in Tamil Nadu to strengthen community capacity, conserve natural resources, and improve overall quality of life. Our initiatives focus on empowering women, farmers, youth, and tribal communities to actively participate in sustainable development and local decision-making processes.

We combine local knowledge with appropriate scientific practices to address climate change, environmental challenges, and livelihood needs. Through awareness programmes, training, and community-based initiatives, we support communities to manage natural resources effectively, enhance livelihoods, and improve resilience to environmental changes.

CIRHEP promotes a participatory development approach where communities are encouraged to take active roles in improving their living conditions while ensuring environmental sustainability and long-term well-being.

                                            

 

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, and Leading Positive Change”
Inspiring Young Leaders: Learning, Growing, and Leading Positive Change”
Strengthening community capacities for sustainable land use and resource management through participatory approaches.”
Strengthening community capacities for sustainable land use and resource management through participatory approaches.”
Promoting community participation in sustainable land management and strengthening women’s leadership.”
Promoting community participation in sustainable land management and strengthening 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 skills, confidence, and collective capacity to support community development.”
“Women leaders building skills, confidence, and collective capacity to support community development.”
Growing Organic, Growing a Better Future
Growing Organic, Growing a Better Future

                                 Mission

To create a sustainable human – ecology relationship and improve the quality of rural life by striving to alleviate poverty, provide education and conserve the environment with active participation of the rural community. 

                                      Vision

’Building the capacities of the rural communities in conserving the Vaigai – Kaveri watersheds in Dindigul , Theni and Madurai Districts and making the area sustainable for better livelihood”

                                          Our Core Values

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

Equity and Inclusion – We promote fair access to resources, opportunities, and services for all sections of the community.

Participation – We work through inclusive and participatory community processes that encourage collective decision-making.

Sustainability – We promote ecological balance and climate-resilient livelihood practices for long-term well-being.

Integrity and Accountability – We uphold transparency, ethical practices, and responsible governance in all our activities.

Learning and Innovation – We integrate traditional knowledge with appropriate scientific approaches to improve community outcomes.

                                        Our Focus Areas

Women’s Leadership and Development

Strengthening women’s capacities through awareness programmes, skill-building, collective initiatives, and community-based support systems.

Environmental Conservation and Watershed Management

Supporting communities in conserving land and water resources through sustainable practices and improved natural resource management.

Agroecology and Sustainable Livelihoods

Promoting organic and biodynamic farming practices to enhance food security, biodiversity, and farmers’ incomes.

Tribal Community Development

Working with Adivasi communities to improve access to services, strengthen livelihoods, and promote sustainable resource use.

Adolescent Girls’ Development

Building leadership skills, awareness, and confidence among adolescent girls to support their education and future opportunities.

Health, Nutrition, and Community Well-being

Improving access to healthcare, nutrition, and overall well-being for vulnerable populations.

Youth and Environmental Awareness

Encouraging young people to participate in environmental conservation and community development activities.

                                     Our Impact

Over the years, CIRHEP has contributed to:

  • Restoration of over 15,000 hectares of degraded land through community-based watershed programmes.
  • Formation and strengthening of more than 150 women-led self-help groups, enhancing economic stability and leadership.
  • Improved climate resilience in over 100 villages through sustainable land and water management practices.
  • Support to tribal communities in improving livelihoods, access to basic services, and sustainable resource use.
  • Training of more than 2,000 adolescent girls in leadership skills, gender awareness, and personal development.
  • Engagement of over 5,000 children and young people in environmental awareness and community initiatives.

CIRHEP continues to work towards building climate-resilient communities with sustainable livelihoods and improved quality of life through community leadership.

                                                                              Current Projects and Programmes

CIRHEP distributed Healthy Living Kits to rural and tribal families in the Kodaikanal Hills in collaboration with the HOSA “Behind the Label” team, USA. The initiative promoted awareness on harmful chemicals and encouraged safer hygiene practices.
CIRHEP distributed Healthy Living Kits to rural and tribal families in the Kodaikanal Hills in collaboration with the HOSA “Behind the Label” team, USA. The initiative promoted awareness on harmful chemicals and encouraged safer hygiene practices.
“Young leaders participating in learning and community engagement initiatives under the Future Earth Young Leaders Programme (Sweden).”
“Young leaders participating in learning and community engagement initiatives under the Future Earth Young Leaders Programme (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 programmes on sustainable land use and resource management under the IWGIA-supported project.”
Tribal community leaders engaged in awareness programmes on sustainable land use and resource management under the IWGIA-supported project.”
“Women community leaders participating in capacity-building programmes on land use, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability supported by Urgent Action Fund Asia & Pacific.”
“Women community leaders participating in capacity-building programmes on land use, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability supported by Urgent Action Fund Asia & Pacific.”

                                                                Our Current Partners (National & International)

7
1
images (1)
Azim_Premji_University_logo
images
images