Support for Sandalwood Farmers in India

Exam-focused Notes on National Biodiversity Authority Initiative

1. Overview of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

• The NBA is responsible for the implementation of the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• It facilitates the equitable distribution of benefits derived from biological resources to the local communities, particularly farmers.

2. Financial Distribution

• Recently, ₹45 lakh (approx. $50,000) were disbursed to red sandalwood farmers through the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board.
• The total amount allocated for ABS in India has surpassed ₹143.5 crores (approx. $16 million).

3. Economic Benefits for Farmers

• Farmers benefit from dual income:
  • Legal sale of cultivated red sandalwood.
  • Monetary gains from the ABS mechanism as stipulated in the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

4. Conservation and Sustainable Use

• The ABS framework promotes the conservation of globally valuable endemic species and ensures farmers are rewarded for sustainable practices.
• This structure actively discourages illegal trade and over-exploitation of biological resources.

5. Regional Financial Impact

• Over ₹104 crores (approx. $11.5 million) have been distributed for conservation and protection efforts in Andhra Pradesh.
• Other states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana have received over ₹15 crores (approx. $1.66 million) collectively.

6. Recent Developments

• In the past three months, 220+ red sandalwood farmers from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana received a total of ₹5.35 crores through the ABS framework.

7. Socio-economic Development

• The programme enhances the social-economic status of farming communities by linking conservation efforts with tangible financial benefits.
• The NBA supports scientific research, farmers' livelihoods, and the socioeconomic development of communities engaged in biodiversity conservation.

8. Long-term Vision and Goals

• The NBA aims to preserve red sandalwood for future generations while supporting livelihoods and global biodiversity efforts, showcasing India's commitment to preserving both agriculture and ecological diversity.

This initiative highlights India's legal and policy framework aimed at promoting biodiversity while providing economic incentives to local communities engaged in sustainable practices.