Who we are
Meahlvanam Trust(Voice of Nature)is a registered non-profit organization in India dedicated to restoring habitats and biodiversity through ecological restoration. We work to bring back native tree and plant species and protect them from extinction, while fostering healthy habitats and microhabitats that naturally support local wildlife and contribute to flourishing ecosystems.
Alongside ecosystem restoration, we work to inspire mindset change in future generations through experiential nature-learning initiatives in an inclusive manner. By helping children reconnect with nature, we aim to nurture responsible coexistence from an early age as a lasting intergenerational value essential for protecting our planet.
What we do
Through our flagship initiative, Flora & Fauna United, we are developing a biodiversity and riparian ecorestoration model along the Vamanapuram Riverbank, Kerala, demonstrating how native ecosystems can be restored and strengthened through scientific understanding and local ecological knowledge.
We focus on the propagation and recovery of native tree and plant species through our in-house nursery, while restoring habitats and microhabitats that support rich riparian biodiversity. We also demonstrate natural farming and agroforestry as sustainable alternatives to conventional agriculture, addressing one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss.
We engage children at an early age to build a strong connection with nature and foster ecological values, nurturing responsible coexistence from a young age. As part of this approach, we engage visually impaired children through sensory-based nature learning, enabling a more immersive experience of nature and helping them build a deeper sensory and emotional connection with the natural world.
Vision
Flourishing ecosystems where native flora and fauna thrive in natural habitats and microhabitats inspiring generations for responsible coexistence shaped from early childhood.
Organization Mission
To revive and safeguard habitats and its biodiversity by recovering and favouring native flora and fauna,strengthening ecological connections and reconnecting children with nature in an inclusive manner. By blending scientific insight, local knowledge and community involvement, create living examples of restored ecosystems that inspire conservation behaviour andcollective actions. Favor rare and threatened species in working landscapes to prevent their extinction. Support marginalized and vulnerable through education support and nature-friendly guidance and empowerment.
“MEAHLVANAM”means?
Meahlvanam derives from the Tamil words “Meahl”, meaning Retrieval or Revival and “Vanam”, meaning Forest. Together, Meahlvanam signifies the revival and regeneration of forests and natural ecosystems – the continuous cycle through which nature renews, restores and sustains itself across time and generations. We human beings, though only a small diminutive part of vast nature, hugely influence the planet through our actions. With that influence comes the sole responsibility to play our role in nature’s healing and renewal.
“We cannot save nature, nature sustains and saves us, only when we choose to coexist as part of it, not apart from it”
Our Philosophy
Biodiversity is not something separate from human life-it is the living foundation that sustains our soil, rivers, food, climate and future. As ecosystems weaken, humanity is losing its deeper connection with the natural world. Conservation is therefore not only about protecting species, but about restoring ecological connections, understanding our place within nature, and learning to coexist with responsibility where conservation becomes not a duty, but a way of life-creating a better world for all forms of life, not just humans.
Our Values
True progress is achieved not against nature, but in harmony with it. Guided by responsibility, conservation and sustainability, we recognize that every species, habitat, and ecosystem plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. At the core of nature lies interdependence- all lifedeeply connected. Through inclusivity and shared responsibility, we nurture deeper relationship with nature for future generations, encouraging them to understand and value biodiversity as a lasting commitment.
About Cofounder
Maria Juliet, from Tamil Nadu, India, masters in biotechnology from Loyola College, Chennai, pursuedbiotechnology research career in the corporate sector in Bangalore, before choosing to follow her deeper calling toward nature and conservation.
In 2013, along with life partner, moved to rural living, transitioned from research to grassroots activities in animal rescue, natural farming, restoration and nature awareness for young minds. Cofounded Meahlvanam Trust in 2019 (Registered in Trichy District, Tamil Nadu). Maria Juliet serves as the Managing Trustee and Chief Functionary of the Trust.
To broadenthe vision, in 2024, joined and completed the residential leadership training program at Kanthari, international institute for social change makers, Trivandrum, Kerala. The current flagship initiative of Meahlvanam Trust is Project “Flora & Fauna United”from 2025 on a 7.2 acres wildland in Kadakkavur, Trivandrum District, Kerala, focusing on biodiversity restoration, habitat revivalthrough ecological restoration and nature learning for children.
Our Partner
OUR OBJECTIVES
Nature Learning and Inclusivity
Engage children of all abilities in hands-on experiences with nature, nurturing a strong sense of connection and shared responsibility for protecting ecosystems and recognizing the value of interconnections of all lives.
Sustainable Agriculture and Traditional Knowledge
Demonstrate harmony between farming and biodiversity by integrating natural practices, enriching soil health and reviving traditional wisdom for community sustainability
Biodiversity Conservation and Ecorestoration
Restore ecosystems to their natural state, favoring habitats, creating microhabitats that nurture biodiversity and strengthen ecological interactions.
Native Species Recovery
Restoring declining native species of trees, plants and their associated fauna to rebuild resilient ecosystems.