In order to conserve Red Sanders in Andhra Pradesh, the National Biodiversity Authority of India has authorised ₹82 lakh ($98,000) through its Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism.

The money will be used to raise one lakh Red Sanders saplings, a rare tree species that is indigenous to southern India, according to the Chennai-based body. As part of the Trees Outside Forests initiative, these saplings will be distributed to farmers, extending biodiversity and conservation initiatives outside of protected regions.

The districts of Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Kurnool are home to the Red Sanders, also known as Pterocarpus Santalinus. The species is in grave danger because of the widespread smuggling that has been fuelled by its high commercial value. The authorised funds are derived from Red Sanders users’ benefit-sharing contributions. This amount, in contrast to sale revenues, is used to fund conservation efforts, emphasising participation at the local level.

Tribal organisations and biodiversity management committees are among the local communities that will be instrumental in the endeavour. In addition to developing nurseries, planting farms, and providing long-term care for saplings, they will also promote local stewardship, create jobs, and develop skills. The programme emphasises the application of India’s 2023 amendment to the Biological Diversity Act, which guarantees a fair distribution of the advantages of biological resources. The ABS framework connects community benefit, conservation, and economic utilisation.

In addition to being classified by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which limits its international trade, Red Sanders is protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

In the past, the NBA has given the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department around ₹31.55 crore for the conservation of Red Sanders. Instead of depending just on departmental protection measures, the most recent allocation will directly assist field-level initiatives. According to officials, the project reinforces India’s responsibilities under the Convention on Biological Diversity and is in line with its biodiversity ambitions. Additionally, it represents a change in policy towards conservation as a community-driven endeavour with both financial and ecological benefits.