India leads global efforts in big cat conservation with launch of International Big Cat Alliance

New Delhi, Feb 29:  The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the nod for the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with its headquarters in India.

This initiative, backed by a one-time budgetary support of Rs. 150 crores for a period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28, highlights India's pivotal role in conserving tigers, other big cats, and numerous endangered species.

The genesis of the International Big Cat Alliance traces back to Prime Minister Modi's call for a coalition of global leaders to combat poaching in Asia, reiterated during the observance of Global Tiger Day in 2019 and the commemoration of 50 years of India's Project Tiger on April 9, 2023.

With India serving as the headquarters, the alliance aims to secure the future of big cats and the landscapes they inhabit, drawing from India's rich legacy of conservation practices that have long been at the forefront of tiger and big cat preservation efforts.

India, with its diverse ecosystems, is home to seven species of big cats, including the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah, making it an ideal setting for spearheading global conservation initiatives.

The IBCA envisions a multi-country, multi-agency coalition comprising 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries interested in big cat conservation, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and business groups committed to the cause of big cat preservation.

The Alliance's objectives encompass a multifaceted approach, including knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, financial and resource support, research, technical assistance, and education.