Source: LM
Context: The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who was also elected as the President of IBCA.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):
- What is IBCA?
- The International Big Cat Alliance is a multinational initiative launched by India in 2024, aimed at protecting the world’s seven major big cat species through collective action, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
- It is coordinated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Established In: March 2024, following PM Narendra Modi’s announcement during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger (April 2023).
- Objective:
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- Facilitate global collaboration for conservation of big cats.
- Replicate successful conservation practices across countries.
- Build a common pool of financial, technical, and institutional resources.
- Address gaps in capacity building, data sharing, and financing.
- Enhance livelihoods and climate resilience in big cat habitats.
- Big Cats Covered: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma
- Membership:
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- 95 Range Countries eligible (where the species naturally occur).
- 25 countries had joined by September 2024 (e.g., Bangladesh, Nigeria, Peru, Ecuador).
- All UN member states can join via Note Verbale.
- Key Functions:
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- IBCA compiles proven conservation strategies from member nations into a shared repository to ensure scalable, science-based solutions.
- It organizes training programs, technical workshops, and institutional exchanges to build local expertise in big cat conservation.
- IBCA funds and promotes scientific studies, drives policy reforms, spreads conservation awareness, and links it to sustainable livelihoods.
- The Alliance functions as a global support system, offering financial and technical aid to countries with limited conservation resources.
- It introduces advanced technologies and fosters partnerships across sectors to address systemic issues like habitat degradation and prey loss.
- IBCA enables member countries to share data, intelligence, and joint strategies for combating poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
- 2025 Summit Outcome:
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- First General Assembly Held: The inaugural Assembly of IBCA convened in New Delhi on June 16, 2025, marking a global milestone in big cat diplomacy.
- Nine Nations Participated: Countries like Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, and Kazakhstan joined India to discuss collaborative conservation goals.
- India Designated as HQ: The Headquarters Agreement was ratified, formally establishing India as the permanent secretariat of IBCA.
- Bhupender Yadav Elected President: India’s Environment Minister was unanimously endorsed as the first President of the Alliance, reflecting India’s leadership.
- Funding Commitment by India: India allocated ₹150 crore (2023–28) to support IBCA’s initial setup, coordination, and capacity building efforts globally.
