Context

India has been formally designated as the headquarters and secretariat of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). This significant development underscores India's growing global leadership in wildlife conservation and its pioneering efforts in protecting big cats, especially after the success of Project Tiger.

IBCA

The IBCA is a treaty-based intergovernmental alliance launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger in April 2023. The alliance aims to foster cooperation among countries for the conservation of seven major big cat species:

Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.

Objectives of IBCA:

• Promote international collaboration in conservation, research, habitat protection, and the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
• Build capacities, strengthen law enforcement, and support science-based management.
• Enhance community involvement and promote eco-tourism for sustainable development.

Legal Status and Formation:

• IBCA became a full-fledged global legal entity after ratification by five countries:

• • India
  • Liberia
  • Eswatini
  • Somalia
  • Nicaragua
• India officially joined the alliance in September 2023.

Membership:

• Open to all United Nations member states.
• Includes both:

• • Range countries (where big cats naturally occur).
  • Non-range countries (interested in wildlife and biodiversity conservation).

Headquarters and Governance:

• India has been designated as the Headquarters and Secretariat of IBCA.
• It will operate with a multi-tiered governance structure:

• • Assembly of Members
  • Standing Committee
  • Secretariat (based in India)

This structure ensures inclusive participation and transparent decision-making.

IUCN & Conservation Status of Seven Big Cats under IBCA

India's Role in Global Big Cat Conservation:

• India is home to over 70% of the world’s tiger population.
• Successful conservation programs like:

• • Project Tiger (1973)
  • Project Lion
  • Snow Leopard Project
  • Cheetah Reintroduction Project (Kuno National Park)

India’s experience, success stories, and conservation models make it an ideal global leader for hosting IBCA.

Significance of Hosting IBCA

• Reinforces India’s leadership in biodiversity conservation.
• Strengthens India’s soft power diplomacy through environmental initiatives.
• Will serve as a research, funding, and policy hub for big cat conservation globally.
• Offers a platform for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and cross-border collaboration.