New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially transitioned into a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation, the Union Environment Ministry announced on Monday.
As of January 23, IBCA and its secretariat have secured full international legal status, marking a significant milestone in global wildlife conservation efforts.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that five nations—Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia—have ratified the Framework Agreement, formalizing IBCA’s establishment. So far, 27 countries have expressed their intent to join the initiative, while several international and national wildlife conservation organisations have also partnered with IBCA.
A Vision for Global Big Cat Conservation
The IBCA was initially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50th anniversary celebrations of 'Project Tiger'. The Indian government formally approved its establishment on February 29, 2024, designating India as the headquarters.The alliance is dedicated to conserving seven big cat species—Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. Membership is open to all UN countries, including both range countries (where these species naturally exist) and non-range countries interested in supporting big cat conservation.
This move underscores India's growing leadership in global wildlife preservation and marks a collaborative step towards protecting some of the planet’s most iconic and endangered predators.
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