About Us
Our team strive towards accelerating alternative livelihoods and restore threatened biodiversity landscapes through the expansion and management of Mangroves ecosystems.
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Board Members
Meerasa S
Meerasa, who is a native of Jameelabad near the Pulicat lake, has been involved in its protection and conservation through holistic developmental strategies and action. He has been recognised by the Government of India as ‘National Wetland Champion’ for his efforts in the field of mangrove restoration.
In his two decades of experience he has successfully planned and implemented internationally/nationally supported multi-stakeholder initiatives encompassing a wide variety of issues concerning this unique biosphere. His success has largely been driven by his ability to involve and engage the local communities.
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Abdul Rahman M
Abdul Rahman is an experienced entrepreneur who has plied his trade at a national and international level. He is an active philanthropist who has supported numerous social causes over the years through his association with the Rotary Club.
He is passionate about encouraging and empowering the next generation of Indian youth, who he inspires through his career guidance, public speaking and skill development workshops.
Sheik Abdul Aziz
He is an educationist and linguist, specializing in the Tamil and Arabic languages. He has published several books for children and his community. He has used his linguistic skills to provide commentary on several television and online channels.
He regularly participates in charitable activities concerning his local community, cutting across religious and social barriers.
Advisory Board
Dr. K. Kathiresan, M.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc.,
Dr. K. Kathiresan, M.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc., is a Honorary Professor of Annamalai University in Tamil Nadu. He was earlier the Dean & Director in the Centre of advanced study in Marine Biology , which is first marine biological research centre in this country. He is one among the top 1% scientists in the world, and he is placed at the first position in India on the subject of Marine Biology & Hydrobiology, as declared by Stanford University. He has published more than 550 research papers. He has documented over 5,000 biological species in Indian mangrove wetlands. Dr. Kathiresan has served in many top level committees such as National Biodiversity Authority, National committee on mangroves and coral reefs, Tamil Nadu State Wildlife Board, and District Level Wetland Committee. He also helped the Ministry of Environment and Forests (Govt. of India) to draft the guidelines for mangrove conservation and management.
At present Dr. K. Kathiresan is a member of 3 top level National Committees under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Govt. of India.
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Dr. Kathiresan is a recipient of many awards. To Cite a few, “Tamil Nadu Scientist Award”, International “NAGA” award by World Fish Centre, National Biotechnology Associate by Department of Biotechnology (Govt. Of India), “and the Elected Fellow of National Institute of Ecology, “Mangrove Society of India” and National Academy of Biological Sciences.
Dr. Aswathy Rajan
Dr. Aswathy is a former scientist and a National level Young Scientist Awardee with an experience of 10+ years in the field of research in zoology. She has published many research papers, review articles, and books in peer-reviewed national and International Journals.
Currently, she is an Instructional Coach and an Education Mentor, with a vision to empower, upskill, and reskill educators to create a progressive and evolving community. She is also been part of various social activities mainly in the area of education. She believes in bringing positive change in society through collaboration and interdisciplinary projects.
Advitya Thapa
Advitya is an experienced development professional with a career spanning 14+ years. He has successfully designed and implemented programs addressing diverse issues like sustainable livelihood creation, environmental restoration, women’s empowerment, integrated rural development, organizational sustainability, HIV care, refugee rehabilitation and education among the marginalized.
He does his best work in bringing together multiple stakeholders to create impactful and lasting social change. He has also made a documentary film called “Solastalgia’, that tells the story of the vanishing landscape from Ennore Creek to Pulicat Lake
Vijay Senthil Kumar
As a development professional, Vijay has almost a decade of experience in planning and implementation of programs, solving issues on the ground, effectively designing campaigns and IECs. He has worked in sectors such as integrated rural development, circular economy, disaster response and been part of community impact teams in non-profits such as Transparent Chennai (IFMR), Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG), Kumaran Systems (FICCI) and United Way. He leverages technology and innovation to minimize resources and maximize impact
Vipin Vijayan
Experienced Senior Operations Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Corporate Social Responsibility sector. He was previously looking after the Office of Corporate Engagement for Goldman Sachs in India and also headed the CSR Function at Caterpillar India Private Ltd. Skilled in CSR Policy Formulation, Monitoring and Evaluation of large projects, Social Audits, Program Management, Environmental Issues, Analytical Skills, and Disaster Relief.
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At present, Vipin works with Mindtree as a CSR Regional Head (North).
Dr. T D Babu
As a Marine Scientist & Environmentalist, he has been Involved in eco restoration conservation of indigenous tree species, sensitive urban greening programs, mangrove restoration and coastal zone management. He has worked with various government agencies such as NIOT, Ministry of Earth Science, NBA, Ministry of Forest , MPEDA, Ministry of Commerce, Environment and Climate Change. He is a founder of Spark civiv forum and a Trustee of Nizhal and advisory member of Tamil Nadu Green mission and Chennai District Green Committee. Founder of Spark a civic forum. He has 27 years of total experience in Aquaculture Sector that includes hatchery, feed mill farming , and aquatic animal health management.