India Boosts Red Sanders Conservation with ₹14.88 Crore Funding
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has issued a significant ₹14.88 crore (USD 1.65 million) to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department. This funding continues the NBA’s commitment to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) initiatives aimed at enhancing conservation and research related to the Red Sanders tree. The disbursement comes as part of the benefits received from 29 Form-I applications, focusing on protecting and fostering awareness about this valuable species.
Milestone Achievements in ABS Disbursements
With this recent release, India’s total ABS disbursements have surged past ₹143 crore (USD 15.8 million). The NBA has recognized Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to Red Sanders conservation, allocating over ₹104 crore (USD 12.5 million) directly to the state. Other states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana, have collectively received more than ₹15 crore (USD 1.8 million) for similar initiatives.
Understanding Red Sanders
Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is highly sought after for its striking deep red timber and is native to select areas of the Eastern Ghats, particularly noted in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa, Prakasam, and Kurnool districts. The funds for benefit-sharing stem from the auction of 1,115 tonnes of Red Sanders wood that was confiscated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and later auctioned by various Central Government agencies.
Investing in Research and Conservation
Through the ABS initiative, the NBA is funding vital research projects on Red Sanders. This encompasses efforts in conservation, sustainable use, and genetic improvement through prestigious government research bodies, including the ICFRE-IFGTB and CSIR-IICB. Significant field surveys across Andhra Pradesh’s forests have led to the documentation of 1,513 genetic resources and an examination of 15,000 standing trees for their genetic variability and reproductive traits.
Efforts towards conservation also involve the establishment of a National Red Sanders Field Gene Bank, alongside enhancing propagation technologies with standardized tissue culture and improved germination techniques. Preliminary guidelines for Seed Production Areas have been formulated to ensure long-term sustainability.
Innovative Product Development
In a notable achievement, value-added products such as soaps and lip care cosmetics derived from Red Sanders have been developed. The trademarked Royalseema RS Soap® and Royal Red lipstick, which complies with Bureau of Indian Standards, showcase the successful translation of research into marketable products by the ICFRE – Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding.
This initiative highlights the NBA’s ongoing dedication to equitable benefit sharing, the prevention of illegal trade, and the enhancement of collective action in biodiversity governance. By reinvesting ABS proceeds into scientific innovation and community-linked development, the NBA aims to safeguard the ecological, genetic, and socio-economic values of Red Sanders for current and future generations, reinforcing India’s leadership in biodiversity conservation.
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