INTERNATIONAL BIG CAT ALLIANCE (IBCA)​

Why in News?

Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

About International Big Cat Alliance:

·        It is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition of 95 big cat range countries, non-range countries with an interest in big cat conservation. 
Seven Big Cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar & Puma.

·        Origin:
IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 on the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger and received formal approval from the Union Cabinet in February 2024

·        IBCA was established through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

·        Main Goal: To foster collaboration and synergy by establishing a platform dedicated to sharing best practices in big cat conservation.

·        Secretariat Headquarter: India

·        Membership is open to all United Nations member states, including range countries where these species naturally occur and non-range countries interested in supporting big cat conservation.

·        Funding: India has committed ₹150 crore (2023–2028) to support IBCA and is also exploring additional funding from bilateral, multilateral, and donor organizations.

Significance of Protecting Big Cats & Their Habitats:

·        Biodiversity Protection: As keystone species, big cats maintain ecological balance and safeguard biodiversity.

·        Climate Change Mitigation: Conserving their habitats protects forests, water sources, and carbon sinks.

·        Economic Support: Promotes ecotourism and provides livelihood opportunities.

Recent Developments:

·        The 1st assembly of the IBCA convened in New Delhi, endorsed the India’s Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, as the President of IBCA.

·        On 23rd January 2025, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) became a treaty-based intergovernmental organization and international legal entity, with its headquarters in India.

KAS Prelims 2024:

Which of the following statements are correct with reference to International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?

(a) It was launched in 2023 with the headquarters in New Delhi.
(b) It covers only 5 big cats viz, tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
(c) It is a multi-country coalition of big cat range countries where the above-

      mentioned big cats are found.
(d) Annual budgetary support of 150 crore rupees per year will be given by

     Government of India for IBCA.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1. (a), (b), and (c) are correct
2. Only (a) is correct
3. (b), (c), and (d) are correct
4. All statements are correct
Answer: 2. Only (a) is correct