16 Nations Join International Big Cat Alliance Headed By India

As many as 16 nations, including Brazil, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, have formally joined India’s newly created big cat alliance, Environment Ministry officials announced on Friday.

In addition, nine international organizations, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF International), have agreed to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).

On Thursday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which will have headquarters in India. This alliance seeks to launch ‘Big Cat Diplomacy’ while simultaneously promoting a green economy.

The programme would prioritize the conservation of seven key big cats: tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, pumas, snow leopards, and cheetahs.

India has announced a one-time financial support of Rs 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28).

Speaking to the media, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that 16 countries have already committed to join the IBCA.

Furthermore, authorities from the Environment Ministry expect other countries to join shortly.

“We have received agreement from 16 alliance members and 9 foreign organizations. We expect more countries to join soon”, Mr. Yadav continued.

Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah are the seven big cats found in India.

The International Big Cat Alliance was conceived as a multi-country, multi-agency alliance to foster cooperation across countries to advance the conservation agenda.

The alliance’s 16 member countries are Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Kenya, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru, Suriname, and Uganda.

Meanwhile, nine international organisations have given consent: IUCN, Science and Conservation International Snow Leopard Trust, Global Tiger Forum, FAO; HE Zurab Pololikashvii, Secretary General of UNWTO; The Amur Tiger Centre; WWF International; World Customs Organisation, Midori Paxtor; and Director Nature Hub Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP.

According to the environment ministry, IBCA would take a multifaceted approach to broadening and establishing linkages in a variety of areas, including information sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, funding and resource support, research and technical support, education, and awareness.

The IBCA is governed by a member assembly, a standing committee, and a secretariat, all of which have headquarters in India.

As per the environmental official, the framework of the agreement (statute) has been substantially modelled after the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and will be finalised by the International Steering Committee.

The Alliance promotes the sustainable use of natural resources and mitigates the effects of climate change.

The IBCA says that protecting big cats and their habitats helps with natural climate adaptation, water and food security, and the well-being of thousands of communities that rely on these ecosystems.

“IBCA would foster international cooperation for mutual benefit and make significant contributions to the long-term conservation agenda”, the ministry noted.