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India to Host IBCA Headquarters: India will host the headquarters and secretariat of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), solidifying its leadership role in global big cat conservation efforts.
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Agreement Signed: An official agreement has been signed between India and the IBCA, establishing the legal framework for the headquarters’ operation. The agreement includes provisions for visas, privileges, and immunities for IBCA personnel and premises.
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Financial Commitment: India has pledged ₹150 crore (approximately $18 million USD) from 2023-24 to 2028-29 to the IBCA. This funding will establish a corpus fund, build infrastructure, and cover recurring expenses.
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IBCA Objectives: The IBCA aims to conserve seven major big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.
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Formal Establishment: The IBCA is now a treaty-based intergovernmental organization after ratification by five countries: India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia. India formally joined IBCA in September
2023. The alliance formally became a global legal entity after five signatory countries ratified the IBCA framework agreement. -
Implementation Agency: The IBCA is implemented through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
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Membership Open: Membership is open to all UN Member States, including range countries (where big cats naturally occur) and non-range countries interested in supporting conservation.
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Combating Threats: The IBCA will address poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss. The IBCA aims to foster transboundary cooperation among range countries for big cat conservation.
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Leveraging Expertise:
India will leverage its Project Tiger experience to lead research, training, and conservation financing initiatives under the IBCA.
