In a bold step towards global conservation, the Union Cabinet, has approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with its headquarters in India. An official government document says, this visionary initiative comes with a one-time budgetary support of Rs. 150 crore for a period of five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
“India’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity, including iconic species like tigers, has been evident through initiatives such as Project Tiger. Building on this legacy, Prime Minister Modi, during the Global Tiger Day in 2019 and the commemoration of 50 years of India’s Project Tiger in April 2023, called for the formation of a global coalition to combat poaching in Asia. The launch of the IBCA is a concrete step towards realizing this vision,” it added.
About the alliance
The alliance, which includes 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries interested in big cat conservation, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and corporate entities, aims to centralize successful conservation practices and personnel, backed by financial support. With a focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, and resource support, the IBCA seeks to arrest the decline in big cat populations and reverse the trend.
At its core, the IBCA promotes mutual cooperation among countries for mutual benefit, emphasizing the role of big cats as mascots for sustainable development and livelihood security. By integrating biodiversity policies with sustainable development goals, the alliance strives to achieve holistic and inclusive conservation outcomes that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
India’s role
The governance structure of the IBCA, modeled after successful international initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), ensures effective coordination and implementation. With India playing a pivotal role as the host country and providing initial financial support, the alliance is poised to mobilize additional resources from bilateral and multilateral agencies, public sector organizations, and donor agencies.
By safeguarding big cats and their habitats, the IBCA not only contributes to biodiversity conservation but also addresses challenges arising from climate change. Through cooperation and collaboration, the alliance aims to secure a sustainable future for these majestic creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit, benefiting communities worldwide.
