Ongoing Projects

Community-Based Mangrove Restoration — Pulicat Lake

MFI protects 1,000+ hectares of mangrove habitat and has planted 5 lakh+ saplings across 11 sites. Using CBEMR approach with 350+ restoration canals, tidal hydrology restoration, and long-term monitoring by fishing communities.

9 native mangrove species restored. Sites across Pulicat Lake and Buckingham Canal, Tamil Nadu.

A Million Bamboo Initiatives

Community-Led Bamboo Plantation targeting ~1 million plants across 1,700 hectares. Benefiting ~4,200 farmers with income opportunities, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity restoration.

Agroforestry Carbon Credit Projects

Projects covering ~2,600 hectares across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. ~6,000 farmers benefiting. Registered under recognised carbon standards — P. IDs: 3560, 3572, 6101, 6111 — since 2018.

Upcoming: Community-Led Agroforestry Project (2026–2031), targeting ~5,000 hectares including mango-based agroforestry in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.

Yamaha Lake Eco-Restoration

With India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. — restoring Ottentangal Lake (2024–2026) and Vadakal Lake (2025–2027) in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Improving water storage, groundwater recharge, native vegetation, and biodiversity.

Building Climate Awareness through Wetland Education and Community Engagement

Awareness education through wetland tours, special programmes, and exposure visits helps students and communities understand environmental issues and climate change. It fosters a sense of responsibility, encourages sustainable practices, and builds resilience. These activities promote active participation in conservation, climate mitigation, and adaptation, supporting long-term ecological and community well-being.

Women's Livelihood, Income Generation Programmes and Youth Engagement

Women's livelihood and income generation programmes empower communities through skill development, microfinance, and entrepreneurship support. They enhance economic independence and social equity. Youth engagement fosters innovation, leadership, and job readiness through training, mentorship, and community involvement. Together, these initiatives build resilient communities, reduce poverty, and promote inclusive, sustainable development across generations.

Collaboration with University/Colleges for Biodiversity Study for Long Term Conservation Plan

We're collaborating with esteemed institutions like Dr. MGR Fisheries University, Women's Christian College and C. Abdul Hakkim Art & Science College for data collection and research work. The research into various wetlands and species is crucial for understanding and enhancing biodiversity. Identifying over 120 different species in a short time shows the rich ecological potential of the area. This knowledge will undoubtedly be invaluable for future conservation efforts and can also provide insights into sustainable practices. We involved various experts — Dr. Aswathy Rajan, Dr. Govindan, Dr. Ganesh, Kalinga Foundation — for different studies.

Children's Development Projects

The future of child development focuses on holistic growth through early education, nutrition, emotional well-being, and digital inclusion. Emphasis on equity, mental health, and life skills prepares children for a changing world. Investing in child development ensures empowered, resilient individuals who contribute positively to society, economy, and sustainable global progress.

Networking in National & International Forums

MFI have been playing a very important role in protecting the Pulicat lake environment and wetland forests in collaboration with NGOs from the Pulicat area to the state and India level. MFI have been carrying out this excellent work with different levels of community-based organisation (CBOs), State departments and many other works have been done in the past to prevent our area from environmental damage and various pollution. We are creating livelihood opportunities for various people in collaboration with central and state government institutions.

Govt. Schemes Mobilization

Mobilising government schemes ensures that marginalized communities access essential services like healthcare, education, housing, and livelihoods. It empowers beneficiaries through awareness and inclusion, reduces poverty, and promotes social equity. Effective mobilisation strengthens grassroots development, increases resource utilization, and builds trust between citizens and government institutions for sustainable progress.

Relief Activities — 4,000 Families Supported

After the recent storm and severe flooding, we distributed rice bags to 3,000 families in 27 Pulicat coastal and lake villages. All the villages were badly affected, with homes, livelihoods, and essential supplies severely damaged by the excessive water.

Special Day & Volunteering Programmes

The Mangrove Foundation of India (MFI) organizes “Special Days & Volunteering Programmes” to engage youth, students, and communities in mangrove planting, clean-up drives, biodiversity walks, and awareness campaigns, fostering environmental stewardship and active participation in coastal ecosystem restoration.

Consultation Services

We provide consultation services in mangrove restoration, agroforestry development, integrated community development, and livelihood promotion. Our approach combines ecological rehabilitation with capacity-building and economic empowerment to foster sustainable, resilient communities. We support site assessments, participatory planning, training, and market linkages, promoting environmental conservation alongside improved livelihoods.