International Big Cat Alliance

International Big Cat Alliance Latest News

Recently, in a major development, the Framework Agreement on establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force.

About International Big Cat Alliance

• It was launched on 9th April 2023, during the event ‘Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger’.
• It was launched with the aim of conservation of seven big cats - Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma.
• Present Member countries of the International Big Cat Alliance: Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia and Liberia - have deposited the instruments of ratification under the Article VIII (1) of the Framework Agreement.
• The IBCA was established by the Government of India, through the nodal organisation viz., National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• It is open to 97 'range' countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organizations, etc.
• Objectives of International Big Cat Alliance
  • To facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise to achieve a common goal of conservation of big cats at global level.
  • This unified approach, bolstered by financial support, aims to bolster the conservation agenda, halt the decline in big cat populations, and reverse current trends.
• Governance Structure of International Big Cat Alliance
  • A General Assembly consisting of all member countries.
  • A Council of at least seven but not more than 15 member countries elected by the General Assembly for a term of 5 years, and a Secretariat.
  • Upon the recommendation of the Council, the General Assembly will appoint the IBCA Secretary General for a specific term.
• Funding: It has secured Government of India's initial support of Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28).

International Big Cat Alliance FAQs

Q1: What are the 7 big cats under IBCA?

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

Q2: Which country launched the International Big Cat Alliance?

Ans: India

Q3: Who are the members of the big cat Alliance?

Ans: Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of India, Federal Republic of Somalia and Republic of Liberia 

Source: PIB