National Wetland Champion 2022 | Mangrove Foundation of India

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National Wetland Champion 2022 Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change • Government of India

About the Award

The Highest National Recognition for Wetland Conservation

The National Wetland Champion Award is conferred by MoEFCC under India's Wetlands Conservation Programme, recognising individuals who have made outstanding, sustained contributions to wetland ecosystem conservation and restoration.

Mr. S. Meerasa, Founder of MFI, was honoured in 2022 for nearly three decades of community-based mangrove and wetland conservation at Pulicat Lake — one of India's most ecologically significant brackish water lagoons.

He also serves as Member, District Coastal Zone Management Authority, Tiruvallur (2024–2027) and Director (Agroforestry & Land Restoration), Verdax New Energy Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Meerasa holding the National Wetland Champion award plate

Journey of Conservation

From Pulicat to Pan-India

Since 1999

Grassroots Community Work Begins

Began working with fishing communities at Pulicat Lake, connecting ecology with livelihoods. Formed and managed 450 SHGs across 1,000 villages in 17 panchayats through Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation.

Since 2007

Mangrove Protection & Restoration Scaled

CBEMR (Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration) work begins across multiple Pulicat sites — restoring tidal channels and planting native species at 11 locations covering nine native species.

2018

Mangrove Foundation of India Established

MFI formally registered as an NGO with a Pan-India mandate for restoration, education, and livelihoods. Carbon credit projects registered (P. IDs 3560, 3572, 6101, 6111).

2022

National Wetland Champion Award

MoEFCC, Government of India, recognised Mr. S. Meerasa as National Wetland Champion — the highest national honour for wetland conservation — at the Sahbhagita Workshop, National Centre for Coastal Management, Chennai, 21st May 2022.

“Not Just A Plant — Building Hope and Sustainable Livelihoods for One Million Families. Every mangrove we restore is a promise to the fishing community that their future is worth protecting.”

S. Meerasa — National Wetland Champion 2022, Founder & CEO, Mangrove Foundation of India

Award Ceremony — 21st May 2022

Sahbhagita Workshop for Conservation & Wise-Use of Wetlands

National Centre for Coastal Management (NCCM), Chennai. Mr. Meerasa received the award alongside fellow wetland champions from across India in a ceremony chaired by senior officials of MoEFCC.

National Wetland Champion Award 2022