First International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit, 2026

Why in News ?

• India will host the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit in New Delhi on 1–2 June 2026. 
• The announcement was made by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav during the launch of the summit’s official website and logo. 
• Heads of state, scientists, conservation experts, and policymakers from various countries will participate in the summit. 
• The main objective of the summit is to strengthen the conservation of big cat species, promote transboundary cooperation, and enhance global ecosystem protection. 

What is the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) ?

• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is the world’s first intergovernmental and multi-agency global alliance dedicated to the conservation of big cat species. 
• It brings together 95 big cat range countries, scientific organizations, conservation partners, and business groups on a common platform to address conservation challenges through cooperation, financial support, and knowledge sharing. 

Origins of IBCA

• Launched in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. 
• Received formal approval from the Union Cabinet in February 2024. 

Implementation

• The initiative has been established through the National Tiger Conservation Authority. 
• It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 
• It acts as a global platform where: 
  • Conservation expertise is shared 
  • Financial support is provided for projects 
  • Technical knowledge repositories are developed 

Objectives of IBCA

• To conserve seven major big cat species : 
  • Tiger 
  • Lion 
  • Leopard 
  • Snow Leopard 
  • Cheetah 
  • Jaguar 
  • Puma 
• To prevent the decline in their populations and reverse negative conservation trends.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) – Membership

• Initial signatory countries: India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, Liberia 
• Membership is open to all United Nations member countries. 
• It includes : 
  • Countries where big cat species are naturally found 
  • Countries willing to cooperate in wildlife conservation efforts 

Need for the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• Habitat loss 
• Poaching and illegal wildlife trade 
• Climate change 
• Human-wildlife conflict 

Due to these threats, the population of big cats is declining rapidly, making global conservation efforts essential.

Funding

• India’s contribution: Approximately ₹150 crore (2023–2028) 
• Additional sources of funding include : 
  • Bilateral assistance 
  • Multilateral assistance 
  • Donor agencies 

Key Functions of IBCA

1. Collaborative Platform

• Creates a global network of conservationists, governments, and scientists 
• Facilitates the exchange of best conservation practices 

2. Financial and Technical Assistance

• Provides shared funding for global conservation projects 
• Offers technical support to resource-deficient countries 

3. Policy and International Cooperation

• Coordinates with international agreements such as CITES and CMS 
• Promotes transboundary conservation initiatives 

4. Scientific Research

• Encourages technology-driven and data-based conservation 
• Focuses on ecological requirements of big cats 

5. Sustainable Livelihoods

• Links conservation efforts with local employment opportunities and climate resilience 

Ecological Importance of Big Cats

• Big cats are apex predators in the ecosystem 
• They help maintain ecological balance 
• They contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate stability 
• Protection of forests and grasslands helps increase carbon absorption capacity 

Importance of IBCA for India

• Strengthens India’s leadership in global wildlife diplomacy 
• Showcases India’s successful conservation models such as : 
  • Project Tiger 
  • Project Cheetah 
• Enhances international cooperation in wildlife conservation 
• Promotes India’s role in global biodiversity governance