New Delhi: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has continued its ongoing efforts to promote conservation and sustainable use of endemic species with the release of ₹45 lakh to red sanders farmers in Andhra Pradesh, officials said on Friday. This disbursement, routed through the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, is part of the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which links conservation practices with equitable economic benefits for local communities.

With this latest release, India’s cumulative ABS disbursements now exceed ₹143.5 crore, underscoring the scale and reach of the NBA’s initiatives in supporting biodiversity-linked livelihoods across the country.

Supporting Farmers Through Access and Benefit Sharing

Red sanders, an Indian endemic tree species, is primarily found in the Eastern Ghats, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. Its wood is globally valued for its unique color, fragrance, and utility in crafts and pharmaceuticals. The NBA’s ABS framework is designed to ensure that farmers and communities involved in the cultivation and sustainable utilisation of red sanders are directly rewarded for their conservation efforts.

“This initiative underscores the economic opportunity available to red sanders cultivators, who derive dual income benefits,” the NBA stated. “First, through the lawful sale of red sanders wood or logs cultivated, and second, through monetary benefits under the ABS mechanism mandated by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.”

The ABS mechanism allows benefit-claimers—primarily farmers, cultivators, and local communities—to receive a share of profits generated from the commercial utilisation of genetic resources. By directly linking conservation outcomes to economic returns, the NBA seeks to incentivise sustainable practices while curbing illegal trade and over-exploitation of protected species.

State-Level Impact

Till date, the NBA has released over ₹104 crore to Andhra Pradesh for red sanders conservation and benefit-sharing, making the state the largest recipient of ABS funds in the country. Other states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana, have cumulatively received over ₹15 crore through similar schemes.

In the last three months alone, the NBA has disbursed ₹5.35 crore to more than 220 red sanders farmers across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. These disbursements not only provide immediate financial support but also promote awareness and adoption of sustainable cultivation practices, transforming red sanders from a strictly protected species into a livelihood-supporting asset for rural communities.

Linking Conservation with Socioeconomic Development

An official statement from the NBA highlighted that the ABS framework plays a critical role in encouraging lawful utilisation of biological resources while simultaneously discouraging illegal harvesting and trade. By linking conservation outcomes with tangible bio-economic returns, the framework incentivises local communities to actively engage in protection and propagation of red sanders, contributing to broader biodiversity and ecological goals.

“The NBA’s ABS efforts contribute not only to the conservation of red sanders but also to scientific research, capacity building, and socio-economic development of farming communities,” the statement said. “By creating a model where biodiversity stewardship translates into tangible economic benefits, the ABS framework strengthens India’s leadership in global biodiversity conservation.”

Transformative Potential of the ABS Mechanism

Experts believe that the ABS framework represents a paradigm shift in biodiversity management, as it balances ecological preservation with livelihood security for farmers. Red sanders, once considered a restricted and highly policed resource, is now increasingly viewed as a renewable, livelihood-generating asset, thanks to structured benefit-sharing schemes.

The NBA also emphasised that these measures are future-focused, aiming to conserve red sanders for upcoming generations while simultaneously promoting sustainable economic opportunities for present-day communities. By formalising benefit-sharing and incentivising cultivation, the NBA helps integrate local communities into India’s broader biodiversity strategy, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility for natural resources.

Looking Ahead

As the NBA continues to roll out ABS disbursements, officials have indicated plans to expand coverage and awareness programs to more farmers and local stakeholders. The authority is also working on integrating technology-driven monitoring and reporting systems to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.

“The NBA works to conserve red sanders for future generations while supporting livelihoods and India’s leadership in global biodiversity efforts,” the statement concluded. “By linking conservation to tangible economic benefits, the ABS mechanism sets a precedent for sustainable and equitable utilisation of India’s rich biological heritage.”

Through this structured and legally backed approach, red sanders farmers are not only receiving financial rewards but are also being positioned as key custodians of India’s biodiversity, bridging the gap between conservation and community development.

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