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.
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 — strengthening conservation outcomes while enhancing household livelihoods.
Between 2018 and 2026, MFI has partnered with leading organizations including Infosys, Indian Oil, Yamaha India, Robinsons, Legrand India, TNQ Technologies, CDRI, Healthcare 10K, Axles India, Infinite Environmental Solutions, Outreach Projects Pvt Ltd, Verdax New Energy Private Ltd, Katha, Damooga Foundation, Cosher Climate, and Say Trees — 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 10 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 5,000 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).
