LAUNCH OF INTERNATIONAL BIG CAT ALLIANCE

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Context

• In the mega international event held, at Mysuru, Karnataka,  to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger,  the Prime Minister launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) for conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma harbouring our planet.

Details

Objectives of the alliance

• The alliance aims to reach out to 97 range countries covering the natural habitats of Tiger, Lion, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.
• IBCA would further strengthen global cooperation and efforts to conserve the wild denizens, especially the big cats.
• Conserving big cats and their habitats can secure some of the most important natural ecosystems on Earth leading to natural climate change adaptation, water, and food security for millions of people, and provide livelihood and sustenance to forest communities.
• The Alliance will strengthen global efforts and partnerships on big cat conservation, while evolving a platform for convergence of knowledge and best practices, supporting existing species specific inter-governmental platforms, while also providing direct support to recovery efforts in potential range habitats.

Big Cats as Mascots for Sustainable Development

• The big cats can serve as mascots for sustainable development and livelihood security.
• India and the big cat range countries can usher in major efforts on environmental resilience and climate change mitigation, while paving a future where natural ecosystems continue to thrive, and gain centrality in economic and development policies in the “Amrit Kaal”.

Steps to be undertaken for the International Big Cat Alliance

1. Establishing a Framework and Governance Structure: A well-defined framework and governance structure will be established to manage the alliance, enabling smooth coordination among the participating countries.

2. Developing a Comprehensive Conservation Strategy: A comprehensive conservation strategy will be formulated, taking into account the unique challenges faced by each big cat species and their habitats. This strategy will include habitat restoration, population monitoring, community engagement, and anti-poaching measures.

3. Promoting Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building: The IBCA will facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building among participating countries. This will include sharing best practices, technologies, and scientific research related to big cat conservation, as well as organizing training and capacity-building workshops for forest officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

4. Mobilizing Resources and Funding: Securing adequate funding is crucial for the success of the IBCA. Participating countries and international organizations will collaborate to mobilize resources and explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, to support conservation efforts.

5. Raising Public Awareness and Engagement: Public awareness and engagement are essential for the long-term success of big cat conservation.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the IBCA’s progress will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts and identify areas for improvement.

Must-Read Articles:

International Big Cat Alliance: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/international-big-cat-alliance

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1915372