New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a significant stride towards global wildlife conservation. India’s pivotal role in preserving endangered species, particularly big cats like tigers, was highlighted by Prime Minister Modi during various occasions, including Global Tiger Day in 2019 and the commemoration of 50 years of India’s Project Tiger in 2023.
With headquarters stationed in India, this initiative receives a substantial one-time budgetary allocation of Rs 150 crore over five years, spanning from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
These events served as a clarion call for an international coalition aimed at combatting poaching and safeguarding the future of big cats and their habitats.
The scope of the alliance encompasses seven big cat species, including Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah, with five of these species found within India’s borders.
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The IBCA emerges as a collaborative effort, drawing participation from 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries invested in conservation, scientific organizations, and corporate entities willing to contribute financially.
This alliance seeks to consolidate successful conservation practices, foster knowledge exchange, bolster financial resources, and facilitate coordinated efforts to reverse the decline in big cat populations globally.
The framework of the IBCA emphasizes a multifaceted approach, encompassing areas such as knowledge sharing, capacity building, advocacy, research, and education.
Moreover, the alliance underscores the integration of biodiversity conservation with sustainable development goals, aligning conservation efforts with local needs and global agendas like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Governance of the alliance comprises an Assembly of Members, Standing Committee, and a Secretariat headquartered in India. Drawing inspiration from successful models like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the framework of IBCA aims for efficient coordination and impactful action.
With an initial budgetary allocation from the Indian government and plans to seek additional funding from bilateral and multilateral agencies, IBCA is poised to make significant strides in conserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change impacts, and promoting sustainable development practices worldwide.
By safeguarding big cats and their habitats, the International Big Cat Alliance not only protects biodiversity but also ensures the well-being of communities reliant on these ecosystems, embodying a shared commitment to environmental resilience and global prosperity.
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