Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

On January 23, 2025, The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially became a full-fledged, treaty-based inter-governmental international organization.
The Framework Agreement establishing IBCA confirmed its legal status as an international organization.
It focuses on the conservation of 7 big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
The headquarters of IBCA is located India, and it was approved by the Union Cabinet on February 29, 2024.

Founding Countries

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (the Depository of the Framework Agreement) has confirmed that 5 countries - Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of India, Federal Republic of Somalia and Republic of Liberia -
These have deposited the instruments of ratification/acceptance/approval, under the Article VIII (1) of the Framework Agreement.
As of now, 27 countries including India have consented to join IBCA
Several other international/national organisations working in the field of wildlife conservation have also partnered with IBCA.
The 5 countries mentioned above have signed the Framework Agreement to formally become members of the IBCA.

Objectives of IBCA

Objective	Key Points
Collaboration & Synergy	Facilitate global cooperation and synergy among countries and organizations to conserve big cats.
Consolidating Conservation Practices	Consolidate successful conservation practices and share expertise to enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Funding & Resources	Establish a central repository of funds and technical know-how to support big cat conservation globally.
Strengthening Inter-Governmental Platforms	Enhance existing species-specific intergovernmental platforms, networks, and initiatives focused on big cat conservation.
Mitigating Climate Change Effects	Work on mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on big cat habitats and ecosystems.

Historical Background of IBCA

The International Big Cat Alliance was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger.
IBCA was formally established by the Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) on March 12, 2024.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change

It was constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation, as per powers and functions assigned to it under the..

Expected Impact of IBCA

Area of Impact	Expected Outcome
Big Cat Population	Stop the decline in big cat populations and reverse current negative trends.
Conservation Practices	Promote the dissemination of gold standard conservation practices for big cats.
Global Cooperation	Foster increased collaboration among countries and organizations to work towards a common goal in big cat conservation.
Financial Support	Ensure the availability of adequate funding to sustain long-term big cat conservation efforts globally.
Climate Change Mitigation	Help mitigate climate change effects on big cat habitats and ecosystems.

Conclusion

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) becoming a full-fledged international organization is a significant step in global conservation efforts. By uniting 27 countries and various organizations, IBCA is poised to enhance the protection of big cats across their natural habitats. Through collaborative efforts, funding support, and shared knowledge, IBCA aims to reverse the decline in big cat populations and address the challenges of climate change and habitat loss.

Source:

PIB

Practice Question:

Q. With reference to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), consider the following statements:

IBCA was officially established as a full-fledged international organization on January 23, 2025.
The alliance focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species, including the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah.
The headquarters of IBCA is located in the United States.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) became a full-fledged international organization on January 23, 2025.
Statement 2 is correct: IBCA focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The headquarters of IBCA is located in India, not the United States.