MFI Background

The Mangrove Foundation of India (MFI) is a nationally recognized organization committed to community-based mangrove rehabilitation, particularly in the Pulicat Lake region across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kancheepuram District. Established in 2018, MFI has evolved into a dynamic environmental and social development organization. While mangrove conservation remains central to its mission, the Foundation also promotes agroforestry across India to support sustainable livelihoods, enhance biodiversity, and build climate resilience.

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MFI adopts an integrated development approach that combines environmental restoration, community empowerment, and climate adaptation. Its initiatives address child development through Child Resource Centres, life skills education, and child rights advocacy. The Foundation also promotes plastic-free villages, conducts environmental education, and supports social and economic inclusion, particularly for ST, SC, MBC, and BC. Through school and college outreach programs, MFI encourages youth and community participation in environmental stewardship.

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Between 2018 and 2025, MFI established key partnerships with corporate and institutional stakeholders to implement large-scale conservation and development projects. Collaborators include Legrand India – NOVATEUR Electrical Digital, Yamaha India, Axles India, Wheel Brakes India, Amazon, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Outreach Projects Pvt. Ltd, TNQ Technologies, Infinite Environment Solutions Pvt ltd., Katha, and S10 Healthcare Solutions. More recently, we implementing mangrove restoration project for Mphasis, Alstom, and Flowserve through United Way Bengaluru. And also, I part of the project Alaiyathi.  

These efforts have resulted in the restoration of over 250 hectares of degraded mangrove forests, conservation of 1,000 hectares of natural wetlands, and the planting of over 500,000 mangrove saplings and 700,000 agroforestry saplings with community involvement. MFI’s agroforestry model has improved livelihoods for more than 15,000 farmers, promoted sustainable agriculture, and strengthened local adaptation to climate impacts. The Foundation has also facilitated 100+ ecological studies and restoration research projects. In partnership with Yamaha India, it restored Sriperumbudur–Ottentangal Lake (2024-2026) and Vadakal Lake (2025-2027), rejuvenating local ecosystems and improving water security.

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MFI collaborates with leading research and academic institutions including Dr. M.G.R. Fisheries University, Sathyabama University, SRM University, Women’s Christian College, C. Abdul Hakkim Arts & Science College, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA), Kalinga Foundation, and CIBA. These alliances enhance field research, biodiversity documentation, and capacity-building.

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Although officially registered as a charitable trust in 2023, MFI’s vision stems from the pioneering work of its founder, Mr. Meerasa, whose conservation journey began in 1999 with CReNIEO and SCINDeA. Over two decades, he has collaborated with national and international organizations such as BMZ–Global Nature Fund, Daimler–Mercedes Benz, Bread for the World (BftW), Irish Aid, INECC–LAYA, and Hand in Hand. His contributions have extended to Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

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Mr. Meerasa also facilitated the formation of 450 Self Help Groups in Tiruvallur District under the Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation. He has mentored 100+ student researchers and supported biodiversity publications including books, brochures, and calendars. For his achievements, he received the “National Wetland Champion Award” (2022) and “State Green Champion Award” (2023), and now serves as a member of the District Coastal Zone Management Authority (2024–2027) in Tiruvallur.