Global Roar: India Leads Big Cat Conservation Revolution

The International Big Cat Alliance, spearheaded by India, aims to protect seven major big cat species through global collaboration. Announced by PM Modi, the alliance will enjoy UN-like privileges and is backed by significant funding to create a supportive infrastructure.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), set to function similarly to a United Nations organization, has been granted extensive privileges and legal protections in India, as per a recent gazette notification.

This India-led intergovernmental body focuses on preserving and conserving the world's seven foremost big cat species. Launched on April 9, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative marks a significant global collaboration in wildlife conservation, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger celebrations in Mysuru.

With its formal establishment supported by the Union Cabinet in February 2024, India hosts the IBCA headquarters and commits Rs 150 crore over five years to establish a financial corpus for operational costs, infrastructure development, and recurring expenditures, strengthening the legal foundation of this treaty-based organization.