Paul’s relationship with CIRHEP began in 2007 when he went to work with them as part of an organised study visit to Madurai in South India. During this period of travel Paul developed his interest in development and sustainability issues further and eventually made a number of return trips to develop research ideas and to carry out fieldwork with CIRHEP for his doctoral studies. During his visits Paul developed strong relationships with the staff team at CIRHEP and talked fondly of his time working with them.
All donations will be used by CIRHEP to further their sustainability projects, in particular their watershed development project that involves planting trees to support the retention of rain water in areas where little rain falls. This is an already existing project and one that Paul was keen to work with.
About CIRHEP
The Centre for Improved Rural Health and Environmental Protection (CIRHEP) is a registered voluntary, non-governmental organization (NGO) working for the improvement of the health of rural people and in conserving the environment. CIRHEP also supports the rural community by providing education, empowering women and promoting income generation schemes. CIRHEP’s major focus is on the conservation of the rural landscape including watershed development, environmental education and organic/bio-dynamic agriculture.
CIRHEP’s mission is 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.
CIRHEP is based in Nilakottai and works in the Madurai and Theni districts of Tamil Nadu state in South India and has a team of volunteers and project workers. The team is led by Mr. P. M. Mohan and Ms. K.A. Chandra.
Sustainable Planting Programme
Much of CIRHEP’s work focuses on educating people about the importance of reforestation. For many years, CIRHEP has been planting trees in its surrounding areas and thanks to these trees, ground water has significantly increased.
As part of the planting process CIRHEP also educates local communities about the importance of reforestation and how to care for young and growing trees. CIRHEP also reinforces its work through a series of Nature Schools with local children as a way to educate people for the future.
