
Mangrove Foundation of India (MFI)
Vision
To create climate-resilient communities through education and ecological action.
Mission
To accelerate alternative livelihoods and restore threatened biodiverse landscapes through the expansion and management of mangrove ecosystems.
The Mangrove Foundation of India (MFI) is a nationally recognized environmental and social development organization dedicated to community-based mangrove restoration, with a strong focus on the Pulicat Lake region across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Established in 2018, MFI integrates ecological restoration with inclusive community development, promoting agroforestry, carbon credit initiatives, lake eco-restoration, and biodiversity conservation across India.
Adopting a holistic and participatory approach, MFI combines environmental restoration with women’s empowerment, child development, and climate adaptation. Through its Child Resource Centres (CRCs) and life-skills programs, over 20,000 children have benefited from education and eco-awareness initiatives that nurture environmental stewardship and climate responsibility.
Women’s empowerment remains central to MFI’s mission. The Foundation has supported more than 450 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) among marginalized communities by providing training and financial access for mangrove nurseries, crab farming, and micro-enterprises, thereby strengthening conservation outcomes while enhancing household livelihoods.
Between 2018 and 2025, MFI has partnered with leading organizations including Yamaha India, Legrand India, TNQ Technologies, CDRI, Healthcare 10K, Axles India, Infinite Environmental Solutions, Amazon, and through collaborations led by Mr. Meerasa with United Way Bengaluru, Earthwatch Institute India, and various carbon initiative companies. Through these partnerships, MFI has restored over 250 hectares of mangroves (over 5 lakh saplings), protected more than 1,000 hectares of wetlands, and planted over 1.2 million trees nationwide. Its agroforestry and carbon credit programs have supported over 15,000 farmers across 3,000 hectares, enabling the adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.
MFI is founded on the pioneering conservation legacy of Mr. Meerasa, recipient of the National Wetland Champion Award (2022) and State Green Champion Award (2023), and currently serving as a Member of the District Coastal Zone Management Authority, Tiruvallur (2024–2027).
MFI continues to advance ecological restoration, carbon resilience, and community-led sustainable development across India and beyond.

Core Activities...
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Mangrove Reforestation & Wetland Protection
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Carbon Credit Projects for Agroforestry and Mangrove in Pan India
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Community-based Conservation Models
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National level Networking
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Tie-up with esteemed Universities
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Climate Change Education & Action (Schools & Communities)
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Alternative Livelihoods & Skill Development
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Agroforestry & Sustainable Agriculture
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Collaborative Biodiversity Studies
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Advocacy & Partnerships with Government Agencies, Research Intuitions, NGOs and CBOs






