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Networking

National & International Networking

MFI builds long-term partnerships across academic institutions, voluntary organisations, community groups, and government agencies to sustain conservation outcomes.

Academic Institutions

Collaboration for biodiversity research

We're collaborating with esteemed institutions for data collection and long-term conservation planning. Identifying over 120 different species in a short time shows the rich ecological potential of the Pulicat region — invaluable for future conservation efforts. We've involved experts including Dr. Aswathy Rajan, Dr. Govindan, Dr. Ganesh, and Kalinga Foundation for different studies.

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed University), OMR, ChennaiSRM University (Deemed University), Kattankulathur, ChennaiC. Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam, VelloreDr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, ChennaiAnna University – Ocean Research Department, ChennaiThaseem Beevi Abdul Kadhar Women College, Keelakarai, Ramnad DistrictSITE Women College, ChennaiCrescent University, Vandalur, ChennaiPSG College of Arts and ScienceWomen's Christian College
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology field visit

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, OMR, Chennai

C. Abdul Hakeem College field visit

C. Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam, Vellore

Dr. MGR Fisheries College field visit

Dr. MGR Fisheries College & Research Institute, Ponneri

Anna University Ocean Research Department field visit

Anna University – Ocean Research Department

Thaseem Beevi Abdul Kadhar Women College field visit

Thaseem Beevi Abdul Kadhar Women College, Keelakarai

SITE Women College field visit

SITE Women College, Chennai

Crescent University field visit, pending verification

Crescent University, Vandalur, Chennai

MFI supporting research students from America

MFI Supporting Research Students from America

Supporting and guiding wetland conservation initiatives that integrate livelihoods and climate change mitigation for national and international researchers, educators, journalists, writers, and volunteers. For biodiversity study support: Kalinga Foundation, Women's Christian College, RGCA, CIBA.

Voluntary Organisations

International & national NGO partners

MFI collaborates with leading national and international voluntary organizations to promote mangrove restoration, agroforestry, and climate-resilient livelihoods. Internationally, MFI partners with the Mangrove Action Project (MAP), Thailand, and organizations in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and the Maldives to exchange expertise in community-based mangrove conservation.

Nationally, MFI works with United Way Bengaluru, Amazon India, and academic institutions to advance agroforestry, carbon sequestration, and sustainable rural livelihoods. Mr. Meerasa has gained extensive national and international experience through his long-term association with CReNIEO (mother organization since 1999) and the SCINDeA network, including collaborations across Southeast Asia. Through these collaborations, MFI has restored 250+ hectares of mangroves, conserved 1,000 hectares of wetlands, and promoted 700,000+ agroforestry saplings with local communities.

Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

Grassroots ownership of conservation

MFI collaborates actively with Community-Based Organizations, including Self-Help Groups (SHGs), fisherfolk associations, and youth groups, to ensure community ownership and sustainability in mangrove restoration, climate-resilient livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation programs.

Government Departments & Agencies

Aligning with national missions

MFI works closely with government departments and agencies at the national, state, and district levels to promote mangrove restoration, agroforestry development, and climate-resilient livelihoods.

Recognized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) with the Wetland Champion National Award (2022), MFI collaborates with State Forest Departments, the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Fisheries Department, and the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) to restore degraded coastal ecosystems. These efforts align with national missions such as the Green India Mission and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

At the grassroots level, MFI works with the Department of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and the Department of Agriculture and Agroforestry to implement community-based restoration programs — empowering local communities, especially women's SHGs, by integrating livelihood generation with ecological restoration.