MFI Background

The Mangrove Foundation of India (MFI) is a nationally recognized environmental and social development organization committed to community-based mangrove rehabilitation, with a strong focus on the Pulicat Lake region across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh. Since its inception in 2018, MFI has grown into a dynamic institution that blends ecological restoration with inclusive development. While mangrove conservation remains central to its mission, MFI also promotes agroforestry, climate-resilient livelihoods, and biodiversity enhancement across multiple states in India.

MFI follows an integrated and holistic approach that combines environmental restoration, women’s empowerment, child development, and climate adaptation. Its diverse programs include Child Resource Centres (CRCs), life skills training, and child rights education, benefiting more than 20,000 children to date. The Foundation leads plastic-free village campaigns, eco-awareness drives, and environmental education initiatives in schools, colleges & Universities, nurturing youth engagement and cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards. Women’s empowerment is a core component of MFI’s strategy. The organization has facilitated the formation and strengthening of over 450 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), especially among Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), Most Backward Classes (MBC), and Backward Classes (BC) in rural and coastal areas. Through vocational training, micro-enterprise promotion, and bank linkages, MFI has enabled women to take on leadership roles in mangrove nurseries, sapling transplantation, crab and fish farming, and value-added product development, thereby contributing to household incomes and community-level conservation.

From 2018 to 2025, MFI has partnered with a broad spectrum of corporate and institutional stakeholders to implement large-scale ecological and social projects. These include Legrand India – NOVATEUR, Yamaha India, Axles India, Wheel Brakes India, Amazon, CDRI, Outreach Projects Pvt. Ltd., TNQ Technologies Pvt ltd., Infinite Environment Solutions Pvt Ltd., Katha, S10 Healthcare Solutions, and more recently Flowserve, Alstom, and Mphasis through United Way Bengaluru. MFI is also an active ground partner in the “Alaiyathi” project. Through these collaborations, MFI has successfully restored over 250 hectares of degraded mangrove ecosystems, protected 1,000 hectares of natural wetlands from 1999, and planted over 500,000 mangrove saplings and 700,000 agroforestry trees, all with the involvement of local communities. MFI’s agroforestry and carbon credit projects have improved the livelihoods of over 15,000 farmers in 3 states, helping them adopt sustainable agricultural practices, increase income diversity, and adapt to changing climate conditions.

Its notable collaborations include wetland restoration efforts such as the Sriperumbudur–Ottentangal Lake Restoration (2024–2026) and the Vadakal Lake Restoration (2025–2027), both implemented in partnership with Yamaha India. These initiatives have enhanced water security and biodiversity conservation in rapidly urbanizing regions.

MFI draws scientific strength and technical knowledge from partnerships with Dr. M.G.R. Fisheries University, Satyabhama University, SRM University, Women’s Christian College, C. Abdul Hakkim Arts & Science College, Kalinga Foundation, Thassim beevi Women College, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA), CIBA.  These alliances provide training, biodiversity monitoring, and research support that deepen the impact of MFI’s field operations.

Though formally registered as a charitable trust in 2023, MFI’s origins trace back to the pioneering conservation efforts of Mr. Meerasa, whose journey began in 1999 with Centre for Research on New International Economic order (CReNIEO), and CReNIEO -Pulicat National Matriculation School (2006–2021 administration Management), and the SCINDeA Network (South Central India Network for Development Alternatives (3 states) .Over the years, he has worked with esteemed organizations including Global Nature Fund–BMZ, Daimler–Mercedes Benz, Bread for the World (BftW), Irish Aid, Christian Aid, INECC–LAYA, DST, DBT, CIFT, CLWR, LWF, CIBA, and Hand in Hand, along with various departments of the Tamil Nadu Government such as the Forest Department, Fisheries Department, Pollution Control Board, Women Development Corporation, and DRDA. His conservation influence spans not only across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal, but also extends to Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Thailand. In addition to fieldwork, Mr. Meerasa has facilitated over 100 ecological studies and restoration research projects, focusing on wetland ecology, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

In recognition of his extensive contributions, Mr. Meerasa has received the National Wetland Champion Award (2022) and State Green Champion Award (2023) and currently serves as a member of the District Coastal Zone Management Authority (2024–2027) in Tiruvallur District. Under his visionary leadership,

MFI continues to expand its impact and inspire collaborative action for climate resilience, sustainable development, and ecological justice across India and beyond