Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet recently approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with headquarters in India.
More about News:
- Centre will provide initial budgetary support of Rs. 150 crores for a period of five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28. About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
- It is a multi-country & multi-agency coalition.
- It comprises of 96 big cat range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and business groups.
- It aims at conservation of 7 big cats namely Lion, Tiger, Snow Leopard, Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
- It recognizes the importance of integrating biodiversity policies with SDGs to achieve holistic and inclusive conservation outcomes.
- Brief Background:
- In 2019 the Indian Prime Minister highlighted India’s leadership in big cat conservation and proposed an Alliance of Global Leaders.
- In 2023, on the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, the IBCA launched officially.
- Membership:
- 16 countries, including Brazil, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, have officially joined the IBCA led by India.
- Additionally, nine international organizations, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International, have given consent to join the IBCA.
- The framework is modelled after the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
