Soraida Salwala

A Thai environmental artist and activist who pioneered ecological restoration through art installations and community engagement

Soraida Salwala (born 1952) is a visionary Thai artist and environmentalist whose work bridges art and ecology. Best known for her 'Green Hill' project, she transformed a 100-acre toxic industrial waste site into a thriving ecological park using artistic interventions. This groundbreaking initiative not only restored biodiversity but also demonstrated how contaminated land can be revitalized through creative solutions. Her approach combines large-scale sculptures with native plants to create functional ecosystems that educate communities about environmental stewardship.

Salwala's 'Green Hill' became a model for ecological restoration worldwide, inspiring similar projects in Indonesia and Vietnam. She developed the 'Art for Environment' concept, where public art installations serve as educational tools about pollution and conservation. Her work with the Thai government led to new policies protecting wetlands and mangrove forests. As founder of the Green Hill Foundation, she trains local communities in sustainable land management techniques, emphasizing women's roles in environmental decision-making.

Salwala's art has been exhibited globally, including at the Venice Biennale, but her true impact lies in grassroots environmental education. Her philosophy - 'Art that heals the earth' - challenges traditional notions of art's purpose. Learn more about her projects on Wikipedia or visit the Green Hill website. Her work has been featured in UN environmental reports and inspired eco-art movements across Asia.