The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), headquartered in Chennai, has sanctioned ₹82 lakh to the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board for the conservation of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus). The initiative aims to raise one lakh saplings for the Trees Outside Forests (ToF) programme. The funding comes from the benefit-sharing amount collected from users of Red Sanders and will be channeled back to stakeholders for conservation. It demonstrates the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended in 2023). Red Sanders, native to the Southern Eastern Ghats (Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Kurnool), is under threat and protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and CITES. The NBA has already released over ₹31.55 crore to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department for Red Sanders conservation. Local and tribal communities will participate in grassroots-level conservation. This strengthens India's National Biodiversity Targets and reinforces commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The release was posted on 29 SEP 2025 12:48PM by PIB Delhi. Release ID: 2172620.
Key Entities Referenced
Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Governs access to biological resources and benefit sharing; provides the legal framework for the ABS mechanism being applied.
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): Sanctioning authority for the funds allocated to Red Sanders conservation.
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism: Mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act that regulates access to biological resources and fair sharing of benefits, applied here to the Red Sanders conservation initiative.
Red Sanders: Endemic plant species being conserved through the sanctioned funds and activities.
Andhra Pradesh: Location where the Red Sanders conservation activities are focused.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
National Biodiversity Authority sanctions 82 Lakh for
Red Sanders Conservation in Andhra Pradesh under
Access and Benefit Sharing Mechanism
Posted On: 29 SEP 2025 12:48PM by PIB Delhi
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), headquartered in Chennai, has sanctioned an amount of ₹82 lakh
to the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board for the conservation of the endemic plant species Red Sanders
(Pterocarpus santalinus). The initiative is aimed at raising one lakh saplings of Red Sanders, which will
subsequently be supplied to farmers, thereby contributing to the Trees Outside Forests (ToF) programme, and
thus marking a significant step towards conserving a species unique to the region.
The funding has been provided from the benefit-sharing amount collected from users of Red
Sanders and is being channelled back to the concerned stakeholders for conservation-related
activities. These funds are in addition to the sale proceeds or sale values realised by stakeholders.
The sanction demonstrates the application of the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism
under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended in 2023). The ABS mechanism regulates access
to biological resources, while ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits with beneficiaries
including local communities, individuals and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). The
initiative thus demonstrates how policies can transform conservation into community-driven action.
Red Sanders, native to the Southern Eastern Ghats and found particularly in the districts of
Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Kurnool, has been under heavy threat due to its high commercial
value, leading to rampant smuggling. The species is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act,
1972, and listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES),
which strictly regulates its international trade.
NBA has already released over 31.55 crore to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department for various
conservation and protection activities related to Red Sanders in the past. The present release is
expected to flow directly into grassroots-level conservation involving Biodiversity Management
Committees. Local and tribal communities will participate in nursery development, plantation and
long-term care, creating employment, promoting skill-building and enhancing local stewardship in
conservation of biological resources.
The initiative not only strengthens India’s National Biodiversity Targets and further reinforces the
country’s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the global stage.
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VM/SK
(Release ID: 2172620)