National Biodiversity Authority to Support Farmers of Red Sanders
Context:
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹55 lakh to 18 farmers/cultivators of Red Sanders in Tamil Nadu
This is a first-of-its-kind benefit sharing initiative for farmers/cultivators.
It falls under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework (which promotes the sustainable use of India's biological resources)
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
The NBA is an autonomous and statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
NBA was established under Section 8 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
It regulates the access to biological resources or knowledge associated thereto occurring in or obtained from India and to determine the fair and equitable benefit sharing arising out of the use of accessed biological resources, their derivatives, innovations and practices associated with their use and applications and knowledge relating thereto.
Besides, Authority performs the advisory and facilitative role on matters related to the conservation and sustainable use of biological resource.
The NBA is committed to ensuring that the custodians of biodiversity receive their rightful share of the benefits.
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a legal mechanism established under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and further operationalized by the Nagoya Protocol on ABS.
It mandates that users of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge shall share the benefits arising from their utilisation with the providers or custodians of such resources in a fair and equitable manner.
The principal objective of ABS is to recognise and uphold the sovereign rights of States over their natural resources, while promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)
It is an endemic tree species with its distribution restricted to the Eastern Ghats of India.
It is a very slow-growing tree, attaining maturity in 25-40 years in natural forests
Agro-climatic Conditions:
It is found in areas with a dry and hot climate
It requires a daily mean temperature ranging from 30 to 40°C
It is found in dry, rocky hill areas at altitudes from 150-900m
It grows well in rocky, stony, or gravelly soil.
It requires perfect drainage and fails to stand stiff in water-logged conditions
Conservation Status:
IUCN status is Endangered
CITES: Appendix II
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV.