NEWS – India has been removed from Review of Significant Trade (RST) for Red Sanders, under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

CITES RST PROCESS

• Red Sanders has been listed in Appendix II under CITES since 1994.
• Threats to Red Sanders: Illegal harvesting and smuggling leading to their depletion from natural forest
• Under CITES RST process (since 2004)
  • Standing Committee places increased scrutiny on the exports of a species from a country to determine if the Convention is being properly implemented
  • Enables disciplinary action in the form of trade suspensions directed at countries that do not meet their obligations
• Disciplinary action: trade suspensions directed at countries that do not meet their obligations

RST & INDIA  

• India
  • Has complied with the requirements of CITES National Legislation programme unconditionally
  • To be placed in Category 1
• Why the decision: The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was, therefore, amended in the year 2022, wherein the provisions of CITES was incorporated in the Act
• Benefit: Farmers growing Red Sanders to increase their income through cultivation and export of Red Sanders from the plantations + help in motivating farmers to grow more red sanders trees as a source of sustainable income.

RED SANDERS

• Habitat: Native to south India + primarily found in the Seshachalam hills of Andhra Pradesh + thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
• Wood Characteristics: Deep red to maroon in color + prized for its distinctive hue and grain pattern + hard, durable, and has natural luster.
• Uses: high-quality furniture, musical instruments, carvings, and traditional medicines
• Conservation Status: Endangered under IUCN
• Regulation: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) lists Red Sanders under Appendix II, which means that international trade is regulated to ensure its sustainability