Context:
Recently, India and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) formally signed an agreement to establishing India as the official headquarters and secretariat of the Alliance. The agreement marks a significant step in India’s leadership role in international efforts to conserve the world’s most iconic and endangered big cat species.
About International Big Cat Alliance:
The International Big Cat Alliance was launched in April 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the golden jubilee celebrations of Project Tiger, a flagship conservation initiative that has significantly improved tiger populations across India. With the IBCA, India aims to take this success global.
IBCA established through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The IBCA focuses on the conservation of seven major big cat species:
- Tiger
- Lion
- Leopard
- Snow Leopard
- Puma
- Jaguar
- Cheetah
These species face a growing range of threats including habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. IBCA’s goal is to foster international collaboration, scientific research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building to ensure the long-term survival of these apex predators.
A Global Treaty-Based Organization
IBCA became a full-fledged treaty-based intergovernmental organization in early 2025after the required number of ratifications. The first five countries to ratify the framework agreement were:
- India
- Liberia
- Eswatini
- Somalia
- Nicaragua
With these ratifications, the IBCA came into legal existence, empowering it to act on conservation efforts globally and enter formal partnerships with governments, NGOs, and research institutions.
About Agreement Details
According to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the signed agreement outlines the necessary legal and logistical framework for India to host the IBCA’s headquarters. This includes:
- Hosting privileges and immunities for IBCA personnel and premises
- Provision of infrastructure and operational support
- Visa facilitation and diplomatic privileges
- Entry into force and supplementary agreements for smooth governance
India has committed ₹150 crore in budgetary support to the Alliance, covering the period from 2023-24 to 2028-29. These funds will go toward:
- Building permanent infrastructure
- Creating a financial corpus
- Covering recurring administrative and operational expenses
Looking Ahead:
IBCA is expected to promote not just ecological initiatives, but also foster diplomacy and collaboration between countries home to big cats. With India taking the lead, the alliance is poised to:
- Facilitate joint research and monitoring programs
- Share best practices in wildlife management
- Develop transboundary conservation corridors
- Strengthen anti-poaching and wildlife trafficking enforcement
Conclusion
India's role as the host nation of the IBCA headquarters cements its status as a global leader in wildlife conservation. With strong government backing and a growing international coalition, the Alliance is positioned to become a transformative force for the protection of the planet’s most majestic predators.
