Chennai: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has approved a grant of ₹82 lakh to the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board for the conservation of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), an endemic plant species found in the Southern Eastern Ghats. This initiative is aimed at nurturing one lakh saplings of Red Sanders, which will then be distributed to farmers as part of the Trees Outside Forests (ToF) programme, contributing significantly to the conservation and sustainable management of this highly endangered species.
This funding is part of the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which was amended in 2023. The ABS framework ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of biological resources with local communities, biodiversity management committees, and other stakeholders involved in conservation activities. The sanction is also a reflection of the government’s commitment to community-driven conservation efforts, as the funds will be used directly for grassroots-level projects aimed at protecting Red Sanders.
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Red Sanders: A Species in Peril
Native to the Southern Eastern Ghats, Red Sanders is found predominantly in the districts of Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. Known for its high commercial value, Red Sanders has been under constant threat due to illegal smuggling, which has led to its drastic decline in the wild. The species is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates its international trade.
In response to these threats, the NBA’s sanction will help safeguard the species while also promoting sustainable local practices by providing communities with the tools and resources to grow Red Sanders on their lands. This approach aims to reduce illegal harvesting by providing a legal, profitable alternative for farmers and local communities.
Leveraging the ABS Mechanism for Conservation
The ₹82 lakh grant is a direct result of the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism, which governs the use of biological resources in India. The funds have been sourced from the benefit-sharing payments collected from the users of Red Sanders, and they will be reinvested into the community for conservation and protection activities. This mechanism is designed to ensure that the benefits of biodiversity are shared with local communities, individuals, and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) who contribute to preserving these resources.
This grant also complements the ₹31.55 crore previously released by the NBA to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department for Red Sanders conservation. With this new funding, the focus shifts to empowering local communities and tribal populations in the nursery development, plantation, and long-term care of the saplings. These activities will not only promote environmental sustainability but will also create employment opportunities, facilitate skill-building, and promote local stewardship of natural resources.
Strengthening India’s Global Biodiversity Commitments
This conservation initiative plays a critical role in India’s National Biodiversity Targets, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other global environmental goals. It also serves as a model for how policies can catalyse positive change in biodiversity conservation while empowering local communities.
With this funding, Red Sanders conservation efforts in Andhra Pradesh are expected to expand significantly, marking a milestone in both biodiversity protection and sustainable community development.
Key Highlights of the Initiative:
- Funding: ₹82 lakh sanctioned under the ABS mechanism to the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board.
- Project Goal: Raise one lakh saplings of Red Sanders for distribution to farmers, aiding the Trees Outside Forests (ToF) programme.
- Key Locations: Red Sanders is primarily found in Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Kurnool districts of Andhra Pradesh.
- Community Involvement: Local and tribal communities will be engaged in nursery development, plantation, and long-term care of saplings, creating employment and promoting skill-building.
- Previous Funding: Over ₹31.55 crore previously released for Red Sanders conservation by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.
- Global Impact: Strengthening India’s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
