| Pterocarpus santalinus L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as Red Sanders (RS), is an endangered tropical timber tree species endemic to southern India. Overexploitation, anthropogenic disturbances, and drought are known to have degraded this landscape to such an extent that restorative measures are needed to halt further decline. This study aims at (1) determining approaches to improve regeneration and growth of RS; (2) conducting environmental and economic feasibility of utilizing understory grass, Cymbopogon coloratus, for ethanol production; and (3) assessing stakeholders perceptions about sustainable RS trade. Field trials involving treatments Prescribed fire (PB), in combination with disking (DPB), singling (SPB), and singling+ disking (SDPB) and control (NT)) designed to ameliorate microsite conditions revealed improved seedling survival and growth in young regeneration. Tall and larger stump size seedlings experienced better height and volume growth with SPB and SDPB treatments respectively. For root collar diameter growth, tall seedlings and seedlings with smaller stump size showed better results with SDPB treatment. The number of coppice shoots did not have any impact on growth but seedlings with fewer coppice shoots showed better survival with DPB treatment. Even though the relationship between treatment, survival and growth was identified, no single treatment showed uniformly better growth with all type of seedlings.;Life cycle assessment and benefit cost analysis were used to ascertain environmental and socioeconomic feasibility of using Cymbopogon coloratus , grass for ethanol. The net energy value of 16.86 MJ L-1 ethanol and a net energy ratio of 5.15 indicated the potential of this biomass for ethanol. The production and use of one liter ethanol as E10 motor fuel is expected to reduce net emissions by 0.74 kg (CO2 equivalent) compared to the status quo situation of gasoline use and open burning of grasses. The reduction of emissions will reduce human health (cancer), global warming and smog potential by 29%, 9%, and 8% respectively. With a delivered feedstock cost of ;Finally, Analytic Hierarchy Process with Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (AHP-SWOT) techniques were used to assess perceptions of key stakeholder groups towards development of sustainable RS wood trade. The negative perceptions (weaknesses and threats) for the 'administrators', 'landowners', 'traders' and for the 'NGOs & academia' stakeholder groups were found to be 291%, 63%, 59% and 12% more than the positive perceptions (strengths and opportunities). These results indicate that in the existing set up, stakeholders participation would be limited in RS wood trade and if such a trade is to succeed, both external and internal issues will need to be addressed.;This study showed that improved restoration techniques, production of ethanol from understory grass, addressing the concerns and harnessing opportunities relating to RS trade can create a win-win situation for the economy, environment and stability of rural communities. A RS restoration consortium, consisting of representatives from state and national Government agencies, international Governments and aid agencies, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector may help in collaboration and coordination of these activities. |
