Environmental restoration through women led community engagement: reflections from the woman leader of siruthuli

Dr. D. Divya Prabha — 2026-01-02

At the National and International level, women have increasingly become transformative forces in enabling social and environmental change. Their inherent ability to adopt inclusive, participatory approach in addressing societal challenges has implicitly contributed to the sustainable growth of the community. This qualitative case study explores the leadership journey of Ms. Vanitha Mohan, Managing Trustee of Siruthuli a NGO established with a mission of protecting and restoring Coimbatore’s ecological system. The study examines how the collaborative leadership style of the Woman leader has inspired the different stakeholders of the society to engage proactively in environmental restoration and sustainable water management, with particular emphasis on the rejuvenation of the Noyyal River basin. Insights gathered from an interview with her highlight the role of her early life influences, personal motivation, key initiatives, and community mobilisation strategies in uniting diverse stakeholders to restore the region’s ecological balance. The findings demonstrate that women-led environmental leadership strengthens ecological resilience by promoting social cohesion and a sense of collective responsibility, offering a replicable framework for sustainable development.

Integrating remote sensing and ecosystem valuation to quantify the impacts of land use change in a mining-affected district of ghana

Priscilla Badaweh Coffie — 2026-01-30

This study assessed land use and land cover (LULC) changes, ecosystem service values (ESVs), and their interactions in the Atwima Nwabiagya South District of Ghana between 2015 and 2025. Satellite image classification identified five LULC classes: vegetation, bare land, built-up areas, mined sites, and waterbodies. Over the decade, vegetation cover declined sharply from 56.1% to 34.4%, while bare land expanded from 32.6% to 48.3% and mined areas increased from 0.3% to 3.2%. Using a benefit transfer approach, total ecosystem service value decreased from about USD 765.4 million in 2015 to USD 551.2 million in 2025, largely due to the conversion of high-value vegetation and waterbodies into degraded land. The findings link land degradation primarily to rapid urban expansion and intensified mineral extraction. The study highlights the need for sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and district-level monitoring systems to support land-use planning, community-led stewardship, and Ghana’s Land Degradation Neutrality objectives.This study assessed land use and land cover (LULC) changes, ecosystem service values (ESVs), and their interactions in the Atwima Nwabiagya South District of Ghana between 2015 and 2025. Satellite image classification identified five LULC classes: vegetation, bare land, built-up areas, mined sites, and waterbodies. Over the decade, vegetation cover declined sharply from 56.1% to 34.4%, while bare land expanded from 32.6% to 48.3% and mined areas increased from 0.3% to 3.2%. Using a benefit transfer approach, total ecosystem service value decreased from about USD 765.4 million in 2015 to USD 551.2 million in 2025, largely due to the conversion of high-value vegetation and waterbodies into degraded land. The findings link land degradation primarily to rapid urban expansion and intensified mineral extraction. The study highlights the need for sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and district-level monitoring systems to support land-use planning, community-led stewardship, and Ghana’s Land Degradation Neutrality objectives.

Journal of Environmental Impact and Management Policy

Environmental restoration through women led community engagement: reflections from the woman leader of siruthuli

Integrating remote sensing and ecosystem valuation to quantify the impacts of land use change in a mining-affected district of ghana