Tamil Nadu Government Recognition

State Green Champion Award 2023

Awarded by the Tamil Nadu State Government in recognition of outstanding leadership in mangrove ecosystem restoration, environmental conservation, and community-based climate action.

Green Champion Award 2023 — Mr. Meerasa with certificate and cheque
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State Green Champion 2023 Tamil Nadu State Government • Environmental Leadership Award • ₹1 Lakh
About the Award

Tamil Nadu's Recognition for Environmental Leadership

The State Green Champion Award is conferred by the Tamil Nadu State Government to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to environmental conservation, ecological restoration, and community-based sustainability.

Mr. S. Meerasa received this recognition in 2023 — making him one of the few individuals to receive both national and state-level conservation recognition in the same period — along with a cash prize of ₹1 Lakh.

The award acknowledges MFI's model of integrating ecological restoration with community development — environmental conservation and social empowerment achieved simultaneously.

MFI Impact on Tamil Nadu

Impact on Tamil Nadu's Green Future

250+ ha
Mangrove Planted in TN
2
Lakes Restored in TN
10+
University Partnerships
5K+
Fisherfolk Supported
25K+
Students Reached
50+
Schools & Colleges
Award Ceremony Photos

Green Champion Award 2023 — Ceremony

Green Champion Award certificate and cheque presentation Mr. Meerasa with team holding Green Champion certificate Green Champion Award 2023 handover moment
Mangrove Restoration

Pulicat Lake & Buckingham Canal

CBEMR work along the Tamil Nadu coast — restoring native mangrove species and tidal hydrology through community participation across 11 sites, nine native species.

Lake Rejuvenation

Ottentangal & Vadakal Lakes — Sriperumbudur

MFI–Yamaha India partnership restoring two urban lakes in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu — improving water storage, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity.

Education

Environmental Education Across Tamil Nadu

Biodiversity awareness across 50+ schools and colleges — creating the next generation of environmental stewards.

Livelihoods

Women Empowerment & SHG Programs

Self Help Groups across Pulicat's fishing communities — empowering women with sustainable livelihoods linked to ecological conservation.

Governance

DCZMA Member — Tiruvallur (2024–2027)

Formal appointment to District Coastal Zone Management Authority reflects state government confidence in MFI's coastal zone expertise.

“Tamil Nadu's coastline is among the most biodiverse and most threatened in India. The Green Champion recognition inspires us to work harder — because the mangroves, the lakes, and the fishing communities cannot wait.”
S. Meerasa — State Green Champion 2023, Founder & CEO, Mangrove Foundation of India

Help protect Tamil Nadu's green future

MFI's state-recognised conservation work continues every day on the shores of Pulicat Lake and across Tamil Nadu.

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