Real Impact

Success Stories

Hear from the fishing communities, women's groups, and partners whose lives and livelihoods have been transformed by MFI's work at Pulicat Lake.

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"MFI's work at Pulicat has transformed our village. The mangroves now protect us from tidal surges and our women earn steady incomes through the SHG programs. For the first time, we feel like guardians of this lake — not just fishermen dependent on it."

Fishing Community Member — Pulicat Lake
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"Before MFI's SHG program, I had no financial independence. Today I run a small business and my children are in school. The training gave me confidence I never thought I'd have. MFI didn't just plant trees — they planted hope."

SHG Member — Pulicat Women's Group
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"As researchers from the US, MFI gave us unparalleled access to the Pulicat Lake ecosystem. Their community connections and ecological expertise made our field research richer than anything we could have achieved independently."

International Research Students — USA
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"Partnering with MFI on our CSR mangrove restoration initiative was seamless. Their ground-level expertise, community trust, and transparent reporting gave us complete confidence in the impact of our investment."

CSR Partner Representative
Real Impact

Success Stories (Samples)

A. Dhamodharan carrying fishing nets near a mangrove site

Net Fishing in Mangrove Site

I am A. Dhamodharan S/o Amavasai, 46 years old, from Sengazhaneermedu village. I have been fishing in Pulicat Lake for the past 30 years, of which 15 years in mangrove areas.

Mrs. Madha hand-picking fish in Pulicat Lake

Women Hand Picking

I am Mrs. Madha W/o Mari, 56 years old, from Sengazhaneermedu village. I have been fishing in Pulicat Lake for the past 35 years, of which 15 years in mangrove areas. I am getting a daily average income of Rs. 150 to 200 per day usually, and Rs. 400 to 500 at seasons (October to January).

Two men handling farmed crabs at Pulicat

Crab Farming

Crab fattening in Pulicat provides a sustainable livelihood for coastal communities, especially women and youth. With short culture cycles and high market demand, it offers quick income and supports local entrepreneurship. The practice reduces pressure on wild crab stocks.

Ms. Ravanamma with family and MFI team at her agroforestry plantation

Agroforestry Plantation

Ms. Ravanamma, aged 45, from Chittoor, owns two acres of agricultural land where she established a mango plantation in 2019. With continuous care and proper management, her plantation produced a successful harvest in June 2026. She harvested approximately 14 tonnes of mangoes and earned around ₹1.5 lakh from the harvest. Her experience demonstrates how agroforestry can provide farmers with sustainable and long-term income.

Create your own success story

Whether you donate, volunteer, or partner with MFI — you become part of this story of restoration and hope.

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