Dec 11: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹6.2 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism to support the conservation of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)—one of India’s most valued and endangered tree species. The funds will directly benefit farmers, forest-dependent communities, State Forest Departments, and Biodiversity Boards in five states.
The latest release is part of the ongoing implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which ensures fair and equitable benefit-sharing for the use of biological resources.
State-Wise Breakdown of the ABS Funds
The ₹6.2 crore has been allocated as follows:
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₹17.8 lakh to farmers in Telangana
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₹1.1 crore to farmers in Andhra Pradesh
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₹2.98 crore to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department
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₹1.05 crore to the Karnataka Forest Department
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₹69.2 lakh to the Maharashtra Forest Department
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₹5.8 lakh to the Telangana Forest Department
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₹16 lakh to State Biodiversity Boards
These funds will be used for enhanced patrolling, improved monitoring infrastructure, scientific silviculture, livelihood support, and community-based conservation initiatives.
More Than ₹101 Crore Released for Red Sanders So Far
With this disbursement, the NBA has now released over ₹101 crore exclusively for Red Sanders conservation since the ABS mechanism was introduced for this species.
A total of 216 farmers have benefited directly:
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198 farmers in Andhra Pradesh
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18 farmers in Tamil Nadu
In addition, Forest Departments and Biodiversity Boards in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha continue to receive support for protection and sustainable management.
Total ABS Disbursements Cross ₹127 Crore
This release pushes the NBA’s nationwide ABS disbursement total to over ₹127 crore. The funding strengthens India’s leadership in implementing fair and equitable benefit-sharing, a key principle of sustainable biodiversity management.
The efforts contribute to:
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Target 13 – Equitable sharing of benefits
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Target 19 – Financial resource mobilization for biodiversity
as outlined in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030) and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Strengthening Conservation and Livelihoods
The NBA noted that the ABS mechanism is not just a conservation tool—it has become a major livelihood support system for farmers and communities associated with Red Sanders. It ensures that those who protect biodiversity receive fair compensation and long-term economic incentives.
The funds will specifically support:
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Frontline protection teams
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Modern monitoring systems
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Research-based forestry management
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Community livelihood programmes
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Socio-economic resilience for growers and local communities
This approach builds a stronger conservation model where ecology and livelihoods work together.
A Leading Model of Fair Benefit-Sharing
The latest funding demonstrates how ABS provisions under the Biological Diversity Act are turning conservation into practical, actionable, and community-focused outcomes. It strengthens ecological security while empowering farmers and forest communities.
By linking sustainable use with equitable benefits, India continues to lead globally in implementing biodiversity conservation frameworks through transparent and impactful mechanisms.
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