Background and Genesis

History of REEF

The Research and Education for Environmental Foundation (REEF) was established with a vision to integrate scientific research, community engagement, and environmental education for the protection and sustainable management of fragile coastal ecosystems. Pulicat, one of Tamil Nadu’s most ecologically significant coastal landscapes, became the natural focal point for REEF’s initiatives due to its rich biodiversity, traditional fishing communities, and urgent conservation needs.

REEF emerged from years of grassroots engagement with FNET – Fisherfolk-Nature Education and Training, a community-based movement that sought to bridge the gap between fisherfolk livelihoods and environmental conservation. FNET functioned as a practical platform where local ecological knowledge, traditional practices, and modern conservation science converged, laying the groundwork for REEF’s institutional structure and long-term vision.

History of F-NET

REEF emerged from years of grassroots engagement with FNET – Fisherfolk-Nature Education and Training, a community-based movement initiated in 2010 as a platform to connect fisherfolk livelihoods with environmental conservation. What began as an informal knowledge-sharing and action platform gradually evolved into a structured model of community engagement, and in 2015, FNET was formally recognised as a registered body, strengthening its role in organised education, training, and conservation interventions. From 2024 onwards, REEF began functioning actively and visibly in Pulicat as a full-fledged institutional entity, expanding its presence with structured programmes, scientific research initiatives, and large-scale community-based conservation actions. The year 2024 marks a significant milestone, with REEF initiating its work in Pulicat with renewed vision, organisational strength, and full pledge commitment towards long-term ecological sustainability, social empowerment, and integrated coastal development.

Remembrance of Visionary Luminaries

REEF pays heartfelt tribute to Dr.R.Moses Inbaraj, Dr. Premanjali Rao, and Dr. K. Rajarathinam, whose lives and work profoundly shaped its values and direction. Their commitment to ecological integrity, compassionate conservation, and enlightened environmental thought continues to inspire REEF’s vision and practices. Their legacy lives on through every initiative that blends science, community, and stewardship in Pulicat.

REEF’s Continuing Legacy

Today, REEF stands as a significant institution demonstrating how environmental conservation can be harmonised with community wellbeing. With its roots grounded in FNET’s philosophy of linking fisherfolk livelihoods and ecological stewardship, and strengthened by dedicated leadership, REEF continues to advocate for sustainable coastal policies, strengthen fisherfolk resilience, promote environmental literacy, and implement community-based conservation solutions. From 2025 onwards, REEF has significantly expanded its institutional outreach: it has entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 17 educational institutions to broaden its academic and training networks; in 2025 three institutes under REEF were inaugurated, including the Institute of Medical Coding at the MCC-MRF Innovation Park, Madras Christian College (Tambaram) Reef Education Looking ahead, REEF plans to launch international-level institutes in 2026 aimed at advanced marine science, conservation research, and global capacity building Reef Education The journey of REEF represents a powerful narrative of collaboration between people, nature, and science — a journey committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come.