In a significant step towards preserving India’s unique biodiversity, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed Rs 29.40 lakh to the Odisha Forest Department.
This funding, allocated under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism, is dedicated to the conservation and protection of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), an endemic tree species facing threats from unsustainable use.
The funds originate from benefit-sharing revenues generated by accessing Red Sanders wood logs sourced from the Parlakhemundi Forest Division in Gajapati District, Odisha. These ancient trees, estimated to be over a century old, were originally planted by the Maharaja of Parlakhemundi. They naturally fell during a devastating cyclone in 2018, after which the Odisha Forest Development Corporation auctioned the wood, channelling proceeds back into conservation efforts.
This latest release is part of the NBA’s ongoing ABS initiatives to support biodiversity conservation nationwide. To date, the NBA has provided over Rs 50 crore to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, Karnataka Forest Department, and the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board for Red Sanders protection, including sponsored research projects. Additionally, Rs 3 crore has been distributed to 198 farmers in Andhra Pradesh, and Rs 55 lakh to 18 farmers in Tamil Nadu. With this allocation, Odisha joins Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu as the fourth state to benefit from ABS funds specifically for Red Sanders.
The disbursed amount will fund activities focused on the conservation and sustainable utilisation of Red Sanders across affected regions. This approach highlights how commercial benefits from biological resources can be reinvested to safeguard ecosystems, promoting a balanced model of environmental stewardship.
The NBA’s efforts underscore India’s commitment to the sustainable management of its natural heritage, ensuring that endemic species like Red Sanders continue to thrive for future generations.
