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India Launches International Big Cat Alliance
International Big Cat Alliance
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global initiative launched by India in April 2023 that aims to protect and conserve the world’s seven major big cat species – the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma. Now on 29th Feb 2024, The Union Cabinet of India has approved the establishment of the IBCA, which will have its headquarters in India and engage 97 range countries across the habitats of these iconic predators.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister of India, has approved an allocation of Rs 150 crore ($18.6 million) as a one-time budgetary support for the newly established International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). This funding is for a 5 year period from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
What is the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition established to promote the protection and conservation of the “big seven” cats – tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma/cougar.
Specifically, it aims to secure the long-term survival of big cat populations across their natural range habitats. The alliance will engage 97 countries distributed across Asia, Africa and the Americas that are home to one or more of these species.
The IBCA is inspired by the success of India’s Project Tiger, initiated 50 years ago, which has contributed to the country harbouring nearly 75% of the global wild tiger population currently.
Why was the International Big Cat Alliance established?
The International Big Cat Alliance was conceived because big cat species worldwide face unprecedented threats to their survival from poaching, loss of natural habitats and decline of prey populations. Their numbers have dropped dangerously low in recent decades.
For instance, barely 4,500 tigers remain in the wild presently, according to WWF. Lions occupy just 8% of their historic range. Cheetahs became extinct in India and were reintroduced only last year. Nearly all big cats are classified as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Hence, there is an urgent need for consolidated global efforts to conserve these iconic yet endangered predators. The IBCA seeks to foster international cooperation and build synergies between range countries to protect the majestic big cats.
How does the International Big Cat Alliance aim to protect big cats?
The International Big Cat Alliance aims to safeguard big cat species and their ecosystems through the following broad strategies:
Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate exchange of information on best practices between range countries through an e-portal and capacity building workshops.
Capacity Building: Enhance skills and infrastructure for conservation practices through training programs and technology support.
Networking: Build partnerships between governments, communities, experts, conservation bodies and funding agencies.
Advocacy: Raise awareness and mobilize political and public support for big cat protection policies.
Financial Support: Mobilize resources and provide funding for conservation projects across range countries.
The IBCA governance comprises a General Assembly of all member countries, a Standing Committee consisting of elected member countries, and a Secretariat based in India headed by a Secretary General.
What are the expected outcomes of the International Big Cat Alliance?
The International Big Cat Alliance is expected to lead to the following broad outcomes:
- Increased Global Cooperation: Foster collaboration between range countries, resulting in synergistic and impactful conservation efforts.
- Strengthened Conservation Policies: Mainstream big cat agendas in national and regional policies through advocacy.
- Enhanced Conservation Practices: Support scientific, community-based and technology-driven conservation solutions.
- Secured Big Cat Populations: Facilitate recovery of threatened species to viable population levels in native habitats.
- Protected Ecosystems: Safeguard habitats and prey populations, ensuring ecological stability.
What challenges does the International Big Cat Alliance face?
The IBCA faces daunting challenges including poaching networks, habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflicts, climate change impacts and securing adequate funding over a vast range for diverse species. It would need to balance socio-economic needs with conservation. Managing partnerships between so many public and private players across three continents also poses difficulties.
Who are the members of the International Big Cat Alliance?
The International Big Cat Alliance has 97 initial member countries distributed across Asia, Africa and the Americas that are natural habitats for one or more of the “big seven” cats. Other member categories include non-range countries, conservation bodies, scientific institutions, corporations and individuals contributing to the IBCA objectives.
Final Thoughts
If the IBCA can mobilize adequate political, economic and social support across 97 range countries, it can drive impactful conservation efforts to secure the long-term survival of tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars and pumas in the 21st century.