• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially came into force as a full-fledged treaty-based inter-governmental organization on January 23, 2025.
  • This marks a significant milestone in global conservation efforts aimed at protecting seven iconic big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
  • The IBCA, with its headquarters in India, aims to bring together countries and organizations to collaborate on conserving these species.

CONSERVATION STATUS

International Big Cat Alliance Becomes A Treaty Based Organisation explained for UPSC

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  • Formation of IBCA:
    • The Framework Agreement establishing the IBCA has officially come into force, transitioning the alliance into an international legal entity.
    • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India, which is the depository of the Framework Agreement, confirmed that 5 countries have ratified the agreement and become formal members:
      • Republic of Nicaragua
      • Kingdom of Eswatini
      • Republic of India
      • Federal Republic of Somalia
      • Republic of Liberia
    • As of now, 27 countries, including India, have consented to join the IBCA.
  • Launch and Approval:
    • The IBCA was initially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger.
    • The Union Cabinet of India approved the establishment of IBCA in February 2024, with the organization headquartered in India.
    • The establishment of IBCA is a concerted effort by the Government of India, with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) playing key roles.
  • IBCA's Mission and Goals:
    • The main objective of the IBCA is the conservation of 7 major big cat species that are either endangered or vulnerable.
    • The alliance aims to facilitate collaboration among nations and stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise to work toward the global protection of big cats.
    • It aims to halt the decline in big cat populations and reverse the current negative trends, with a focus on reducing threats like habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

KEY FEATURES & FUNCTIONING

  • Collaboration and Synergy: IBCA serves as a collaborative platform for governments, wildlife organizations, and conservation experts to share knowledge, research, and resources.
  • Global Repository: The alliance will provide a central repository for best practices, technical know-how, and financial support for big cat conservation projects.
  • Strengthening Existing Platforms: IBCA will strengthen existing species-specific intergovernmental platforms, networks, and transnational initiatives focused on conservation and protection.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: The alliance is also focused on mitigating the effects of climate change on big cat habitats and ensuring long-term ecological sustainability.

SCOPE OF MEMBERSHIP

  • The IBCA invites all UN member countries, especially those that are range countries (countries where these big cats are found) and non-range countries (countries historically not home to these species but supportive of big cat conservation), to join the initiative.
  • The alliance will also collaborate with national and international organizations already working in wildlife conservation.