India funds ₹82 lakh to revive Red Sanders through community-led conservation
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has approved 82 lakh rupees for the conservation of Red Sanders in Andhra Pradesh. This funding will support the growth of one lakh saplings under the Trees Outside Forests (ToF) programme. The initiative aims to protect a species highly valued in global markets but threatened by illegal trade.
The money was first allocated by the National Biodiversity Board before being transferred to the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board. These funds come from contributions collected through the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism, which charges users of Red Sanders for its commercial use.
The project will focus on raising one lakh Red Sanders saplings across key districts in Andhra Pradesh. By engaging communities in long-term care, the initiative seeks to restore the species while providing economic opportunities. The funding ensures both conservation and sustainable use of this valuable tree.
