New Delhi, Oct. 28 -- In a landmark initiative under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework for promoting the sustainable use of India's biological resources, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 55 lakh to 18 farmers and cultivators of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) in Tamil Nadu through the State Biodiversity Board, according to a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change release.

The beneficiaries belong to eight villages in Tiruvallur District, namely Kannabhiran Nagar, Kothur, Vembedu, Siruniyum, Goonipalayam, Ammambakkam, Alikuzhi, and Thimmaboopola Puram.

This first-of-its-kind benefit-sharing initiative for farmers/ cultivators marks a historic step towards inclusive biodiversity conse...