Fri Nov 21 10:35:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹39.84 crore to Andhra Pradesh for the conservation and protection of red sanders, a valuable tree species native to the Eastern Ghats. This brings India’s total Access and Benefit Sharing (A&BS) disbursements to over ₹110 crore. The funds will empower forest staff, enhance protection measures, and encourage scientific management. The NBA has also approved ₹2 crore for the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board to raise one lakh red sanders saplings for distribution to farmers, promoting conservation outside the species’ natural habitat. A total of ₹87.68 crore was generated through the regulated access to auctioned/seized red sanders wood by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department towards benefit sharing. So far, the NBA has released more than ₹49 crore to the Forest Departments of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Odisha and the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board for red sanders conservation, protection and research.

News Article:

NBA Boosts Red Sanders Conservation with ₹39.84 Crore Grant to Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada, November 21, 2025 – The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) announced today a significant financial boost to the conservation efforts of red sanders in Andhra Pradesh, releasing ₹39.84 crore for the protection and sustainable management of the prized tree species. Of this amount, ₹38.36 crore has been allocated to the Forest Department, while the remaining ₹1.48 crore will go to the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board.

This latest disbursement brings India’s total Access and Benefit Sharing (A&BS) payments related to red sanders to over ₹110 crore, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and equitable benefit-sharing.

Red sanders, renowned for its deep red timber, grows naturally in select pockets of the Eastern Ghats, primarily in districts like Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa, Prakasam, and Kurnool. The funds are intended to strengthen frontline forest staff, enhance protection measures, encourage scientific management of red sanders forests, create livelihood opportunities through Biodiversity Management Committees, and strengthen long-term monitoring programs.

The NBA has approved a ₹2 crore initiative for the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board to raise one lakh red sanders saplings to further promote conservation outside its natural habitat. These saplings will be distributed to farmers, supporting the Trees Outside Forests programme and encouraging broader community participation in red sanders conservation.

“This investment underscores the importance of red sanders as a valuable natural resource and our dedication to its sustainable management,” said an NBA official. “By empowering local communities and strengthening conservation efforts, we can ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species.”

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