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NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of India to become a member country of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) by signing and ratification of the Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
On the occasion of Commemorating 50 years of India's Project Tiger on April 9, 2023 the Prime Minister launched an International Big Cat Alliance aiming at securing the future of big cats and landscapes they thrive. Seven big cats include Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and the Cheetah. Out of these five big cats viz. Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Cheetah are found in India.
The Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 29.02.2024 approved the establishment of International Big Cat Alliance with Headquarters in India with a one-time budgetary support of Rs. 150 crores for a period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28. The Copy of the signed Frame work agreement was handed over by IG Forests, MoEFCC to Interim Head of IBCA today.
The International Big Cat Alliance aims to be multi-country, multi-agency coalition of 95 big cat range countries, non-range countries interested in big cat conservation, conservation partners and scientific organizations working in the field of big cat conservation besides business groups and corporates willing to contribute to the cause of big cats, to establish networks and develop synergies in a focused manner so as to bring to a common platform a centralized repository of successful practices and personnel, backed by financial support which can be leveraged to strengthen the conservation agenda in the field to arrest decline in big cat population and reverse the trend. This is a demonstrative step in leadership position on big cat agenda, to bring range countries and others on a common platform.
IBCA envisages synergy through a collaborative platform for increased dissemination of gold standard big cat conservation practices, provides access to a central common repository of technical know-how and corpus of funds, strengthens the existing species-specific intergovernmental platforms, networks and transnational initiatives on conservation and protection and assists securing our ecological future and mitigate adverse effects of climate change.
All UN member countries are eligible for becoming the member of IBCA. Twenty-four (24) countries (including India) have consented to be members of IBCA. Nine International Organizations have also consented to be partner organization of IBCA. Framework Agreement has been approved by the Cabinet recently and India became a member of IBCA. So far 4 countries have become member of IBCA including India, Nicaragua, Eswatini and Somalia.
The Framework Agreement is intent to establish IBCA to collectively address common challenges for the protection and conservation of seven Big Cats in the world. The parties to this agreement shall be guided by the principles of coordinated action for protection and conservation of seven big cats, seeking the benefits of collective action under the IBCA.
The Alliance focuses on sustainable use of natural resources and mitigates challenges emanating from climate change. By safeguarding big cats and their habitats, the IBCA contributes to natural climate adaptation, water and food security and well-being of thousands of communities reliant on these ecosystems. IBCA would instill cooperation among countries for mutual benefit and immensely contribute in furthering long-term conservation agenda.
India becoming a founder member of International Big Cat Alliance is a great moment that demonstrates country’s leadership in conservation and sustenance of Big Cats. It will definitely help in mutual benefit and understanding in the areas of Big Cats conservation across the globe.
