• UGI USER
  • Mar 04, 2024
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INDIA TO ESTABLISH INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE TO PROTECT BIG CATS

Why in the news?

India establishes International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) to protect big cats globally, replicating successful tiger conservation practices. Sixteen nations have joined.

About Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):

  • The Union Environment Ministry plans to establish the IBCA, akin to the International Solar Alliance, to protect big cats globally.
  • India, recognized for its leadership in tiger conservation, will headquarter the IBCA and commit 150 crore for five years to promote conservation efforts.

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):

●    Proposed by the Government of India for conservation of major big cats.

●    Aims to protect tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.

●    Membership open to 97 countries with natural habitat for these big cats.

●    Expected launch in India next month, inspired by cheetah arrival from Namibia.

●    Activities include advocacy, partnership, knowledge e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism, and finance tapping.

About Wildlife Protection Act:

●    Enacted in 1972, provides a legal framework for wildlife protection, habitat management, and regulation of wildlife trade.

Constitutional Provisions:

●    42nd Amendment transferred wildlife protection to the Concurrent List.

●    Article 51A (g) mandates citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.

●    Article 48A in the Directive Principles of State Policy urges the state to safeguard the environment, forests, and wildlife.