Advisory Board | Mangrove Foundation of India

Dr. T. D. Babu

Marine Biology Scientist

Marine Scientist & Environmentalist involved in eco-restoration of indigenous tree species, urban greening, mangrove restoration, and coastal zone management. Has worked with NIOT, Ministry of Earth Science, NBA, Ministry of Forest, MPEDA, and Ministry of Commerce, Environment and Climate Change. Founder of Spark civic forum; Trustee of Nizhal; advisory member of Tamil Nadu Green Mission and Chennai District Green Committee. 27 years of experience in the Aquaculture sector.

Prof. Dr. Inbakandan

Professor (Research) & Head, Centre for Ocean Research

A distinguished marine biologist with over 25 years of experience in coastal and marine research, policy advisory, and sustainable resource management. Professor (Research) and Head of the Centre for Ocean Research at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, leading the MoES-supported National Facility for Coastal and Marine Research. Co-Chair, Ecosystem-based Aquaculture & Fisheries Group (E-bAG), IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management.

Leni Davidson, B.E, M.Tech., PGDIS

Sr. General Manager – Corporate Quality Assurance & EHS

A Process Excellence Specialist with nearly 25 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Quality Assurance, and EHS. M.Tech in Mechanical Design from BITS Pilani. Notable achievements include a 55% reduction in cost-of-non-quality and recurring annual savings of ₹5 million through Lean Six Sigma initiatives. Recipient of the SKF Premium Club Award.

Dr. C. Ravinder Singh

Agriculture & Bamboo Expert

A Bamboo Tissue Culturist with a PhD in Biotechnology and over 15 years of research experience in Bamboo Tissue Culture, Bamboo Plantations, and Integrated Farming Systems. Recipient of the National Scientist Award and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Researcher Award. Published 48+ research articles and 10+ books, including work on the bioprospecting potential of mangrove resources.

Prof. Dr. Kapuli Gani Mohamed Thameemul Ansari

Mangrove Restoration Scientific Advisor

An Indian Marine Ecologist specializing in benthic ecology across estuaries, mangroves, seagrass, and coral reef ecosystems. Completed post-doctoral research at IISER Kolkata in the Sundarban mangroves, and was awarded a DST-SERB National Post-Doctoral Fellowship. Currently Assistant Professor in Zoology at C. Abdul Hakeem College, running the Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Monitoring (LEEM).

Mr. Raghunathan

Socio-Economic Advisor

Executive Director of SVASS, with over 25 years of experience in social development. Focuses on empowering rural and underprivileged communities through health, education, sanitation, and environmental awareness programs. Led evaluation and monitoring of government-sponsored rural development programs including CAPART and the Ministry of Rural Development initiatives.