India Rewards Conservation: Cash Disbursed to Red Sanders Farmers, Strengthening Livelihoods and Biodiversity
India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation has reached another important milestone. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed US$ 50,000 to Red Sanders farmers in Andhra Pradesh through the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, reaffirming the country’s leadership in linking conservation with livelihoods.
With this release, India’s cumulative Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) disbursements have crossed US$ 15,841,740, reflecting a growing, structured effort to ensure that those who conserve biological resources are fairly rewarded.
Dual Income for Farmers: Conservation Meets Commerce
Red Sanders cultivators benefit in two distinct ways under India’s ABS framework. First, farmers earn income through the lawful cultivation and sale of Red Sanders wood and logs. Second, they receive direct monetary benefits under the ABS mechanism, mandated by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
This dual-income model transforms Red Sanders from a tightly regulated species into a livelihood-supporting asset, while ensuring its sustainable use and long-term conservation.
Andhra Pradesh at the Centre of Red Sanders Conservation
Andhra Pradesh, the natural home of Red Sanders, has been a key beneficiary of this approach. To date, the NBA has released over ₹104 crore to the state for conservation, protection, and benefit-sharing with eligible farmers and communities.
In addition, more than US$ 1,661,445 has been disbursed to other states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana, highlighting the nationwide footprint of India’s ABS framework.
Recent Boost: Wider Reach Across Southern India
Over the past three months alone, the NBA has released US$ 592,582 in ABS funds to more than 220 Red Sanders farmers across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. These timely disbursements not only supplement farm incomes but also reinforce trust in formal conservation mechanisms.
Curbing Illegal Trade Through Economic Incentives
By attaching clear economic value to sustainable practices, the ABS framework acts as a powerful deterrent against illegal trade and over-exploitation. Farmers and local communities now see tangible benefits in protecting Red Sanders rather than risking illicit activities.
The model demonstrates how bio-economics can drive conservation outcomes, aligning environmental protection with grassroots economic development.
India’s Biodiversity Model for the Future
Through consistent ABS disbursements, the NBA is ensuring that conservation, scientific research, and socio-economic development move forward together. Red Sanders conservation is no longer only a regulatory priority—it is a community-driven success story.
As India continues to channel benefits back to those safeguarding its natural heritage, the country strengthens its position as a global leader in biodiversity governance, ensuring that conservation today secures livelihoods and ecosystems for generations to come.
