Mangrove Foundation of India (MFI)

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 Pulicat Lake across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Established in 2018, MFI integrates ecological restoration with inclusive community development, promoting agroforestry, carbon credit initiatives, and biodiversity conservation across India.

Adopting a holistic approach, MFI combines environmental restoration with women’s empowerment, child development, and climate adaptation. Through its Child Resource Centres (CRCs) and life-skills programs, more than 20,000 children have benefited from education and eco-awareness initiatives that nurture environmental stewardship.

Women’s empowerment remains central to MFI’s mission. The Foundation has supported over 450 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) among marginalized communities, providing training and financial access for mangrove nurseries, crab farming, and micro-enterprises that enhance both conservation and household income.

From 2018–2025, MFI’s partnerships with organizations such as Yamaha India, Legrand India, Amazon, and United Way Bengaluru have restored over 250 hectares of mangroves, protected 1,000 hectares of wetlands, and planted more than 1.2 million trees. Its agroforestry and carbon credit programs have supported 15,000+ farmers in adopting sustainable, climate-smart practices.

Founded on the pioneering conservation legacy of Mr. Meerasa, recipient of the National Wetland Champion Award (2022) and State Green Champion Award (2023), MFI continues to advance ecological restoration, carbon resilience, and community-led sustainable development across India and beyond.