Scientific Significance: Red Sanders, scientifically known as Pterocarpus santalinus, is more commonly referred to as 'Red Sandalwood'. This unique tree is endemic to the Southern Eastern Ghats of India, showcasing its ecological significance in the region.
Ecological Footprint: The distribution of Red Sanders is limited, with specific populations found in areas such as Kadapa, Rajampet, Proddatur, and Chittoor East. The tree thrives in a dry climate, requiring average temperatures and rainfall ranging from 20 to 800 mm. It takes approximately 27 years for Red Sanders to mature to a harvestable size.
Uses: Red Sanders is widely used for traditional carving, making exquisite furniture and musical instruments. It also finds application in coloring alcoholic beverages, food items, and pharmaceutical products.
International Trade: After nearly two decades, India has exited the international negative list, facilitating legal trade from plantations. This marks a significant development in the global market for Red Sanders.
CITES and India: India has aligned its efforts with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to transition Red Sanders trading from negative lists, thereby enabling sustainable trade practices.
Conservation Efforts: Initiatives include the establishment of plantations, scientific management, and measures to protect against illegal exploitation.
CITES Delisting: The removal of India's Red Sanders wood from Appendix II of CITES recognizes the country's sustainable management and legal trade practices.
Growth and Allocation: With an increase in plantations, India has allocated specific export quotas, underscoring a commitment to sustainable trade.
Illegal Activities: Despite ongoing conservation efforts, challenges such as illegal logging persist, necessitating continuous vigilance and enforcement.
Government Initiatives: The government has implemented measures to regulate harvesting, protect biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of farmers involved in growing Red Sanders.
India's approach to Red Sanders reflects a combination of rigorous conservation practices with strategic trade measures, aiming to balance economic benefits with ecological sustainability.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
