India to Host First International Big Cat Alliance Summit

Introduction

India is set to host the 1st International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit in New Delhi from 1st-2nd June 2026. This landmark event represents a significant milestone in global wildlife conservation efforts.

Key Highlights of the Summit

Delhi Declaration

• The summit is expected to adopt the 'Delhi Declaration', the first global declaration on big cat conservation
• Aims to promote shared priorities among nations
• Emphasizes transboundary cooperation for habitat protection
• Advocates for a landscape-based approach to conserve big cats and their ecosystems

Summit Theme

• "Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem"

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Origins and Establishment

• Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger
• Formally approved by the Union Cabinet in February 2024
• Established through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC)

Functions

• Serves as a global platform for conservation expertise sharing
• Funds conservation initiatives worldwide
• Creates a repository of technical knowledge on big cat conservation

Objective

The primary objective is conservation of seven major big cat species:

1. Tiger
2. Lion
3. Leopard
4. Snow Leopard
5. Cheetah
6. Jaguar
7. Puma

Membership Status

Countries that have ratified the IBCA framework agreement:

• Republic of Nicaragua
• Kingdom of Eswatini
• Republic of India
• Federal Republic of Somalia
• Republic of Liberia

Membership is open to:

• All UN member states
• Range countries where big cats naturally occur
• Non-range countries interested in supporting conservation

Need for IBCA

Big cats worldwide face multiple threats:

• Habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization
• Poaching for illegal wildlife trade
• Climate change affecting natural habitats
• Human-wildlife conflicts due to habitat encroachment

Conservation at global scale is essential to:

• Halt population decline
• Reverse negative population trends
• Ensure long-term survival of big cat species

Funding

• India has committed Rs. 150 crore (2023-2028) in financial support to IBCA
• Additional funding is being explored through:
• Bilateral organizations
• Multilateral agencies
• Donor organizations

Constitutional and Legal Framework

While IBCA is an international initiative, it aligns with:

• Article 48A of the Constitution (Directive Principles of State Policy) - Protection of environment and wildlife
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 - Legal framework for wildlife conservation in India
• Project Tiger - India's flagship tiger conservation program

Significance for India

1. Leadership role in global wildlife conservation
2. Strengthening international cooperation on conservation
3. Showcasing India's conservation achievements (Project Tiger, Asiatic Lion conservation)
4. Knowledge sharing with other nations
5. Financial commitment demonstrates India's dedication to biodiversity protection

Key Data Points

Read More: International Big Cat Alliance