MSSRF is implementing a project on restoration of degraded mangrove wetlands in Muthupet, Tamil Nadu, which is posed to enhance resilience of coastal communities in the region. About 2,40,000 mangrove saplings were raised in the nursery established in Muthupet. The project is supported by Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, (HSBC) India, through Concern India Foundation. The inauguration function took place on February 2 – World Wetlands Day.

In his inaugural address, V Phanikumar, Global Head of Business Continuity & Incident Management, HSBC India, said that mangrove restoration is an essential investment into the ecosystem services that people, livelihoods and the animal kingdom depend upon. He and Michael Raj, Vice President, HSBC Electronic Data Processing India Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad, unveiled the Project Board.

Bianca Nagpal, Branch Manager, Concern India Foundation, Mumbai, outlined project expectation, while Nagarajan, President, Village Forest Committee spoke about mangrove restoration work carried out by MSSRF since 1997.

Sudha, Treasurer of the Committee, presented the status of the forest after the Gaja cyclone in 2018, and how restoring mangroves will improve fish catch as well as protect the community during cyclones.

Dr Ramasubramanian, Senior Fellow, MSSRF delivered the vote of thanks.

The HSBC, Concern India Foundation, and MSSRF team visited the restored area and along with the Veerankoil community began planting mangrove saplings. The team interacted with the villagers.