India Chosen As International Big Cat Alliance Headquarters

Why in the News ?

India has officially signed an agreement to host the headquarters of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). Launched by PM Modi in 2023, this global initiative focuses on conserving seven species of big cats through international collaboration.

India Chosen As International Big Cat Alliance Headquarters

About India to Host IBCA Headquarters:

  • India has formalized its role as the headquarters and secretariat for the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
  • The agreement, signed on April 17, ensures India’s commitment to global big cat conservation.
  • The IBCA, which became a treaty-based intergovernmental body in February 2024, aims to protect tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.

Financial and Administrative Commitments

  • India will provide ₹150 crore in budgetary support to the IBCA from 2023-24 to 2028-29 for infrastructure, operational costs, and corpus creation.
  • The agreement includes clauses about visas, privileges, immunities, and operational rights for the IBCA secretariat and its staff.
  • This financial and legal framework enables IBCA to efficiently fulfill its conservation objectives.

Global Conservation Milestone

  • IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023 during Project Tiger’s 50th anniversary.
  • The alliance became legally effective after India, Liberia, Eswatini, Somalia, and Nicaragua ratified the agreement.
  • Kumaran from MEA and S. P. Yadav, Director General of IBCA, signed the headquarters agreement, marking a major step in wildlife diplomacy.

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) :

●      Launched: April 9, 2023, by India’s PM during Project Tiger’s 50th anniversary.

●      Headquarters: India (National Tiger Conservation Authority, MoEFCC).

●      Aim: Global conservation of seven big cats — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma.

●      Objectives:

○       Combat illegal wildlife trade and poaching.

○       Offer financial and technical aid to member nations.

○       Integrate conservation with climate change goals.

●      Functions:

○       Collaborative platform for best practices, research, and funding.

○       Supports policy aligned with UN SDGs.

●      Funding: ₹150 crore (2023-28); MoEFCC governs.