International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

INDIA has proposed to launch a mega global alliance under its leadership to protect big cats and assured support over five years with guaranteed funding of $100 million.

• India is the only nation in the world to have tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, and cheetahs in the wild since we acquired the cats.
• Except for pumas and jaguars, India has all the big cats here today.
• India taking the initiative to unite all nations in the big cat area under a UN-like organisation is only fitting.
• Alliance was “inspired by the arrival of cheetahs in India” last year from Namibia.

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):

• Tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah are the seven main big cats that IBCA will aim to protect and conserve.
• 97 "range" countries, which house these large cats' native habitat, as well as other interested countries, international organisations, etc., will be able to join the alliance.
• Aim: "dissemination of information on benchmarked practises, capacity building, resources repository, research and development, awareness creation, etc., on the preservation and conservation of big cats.
• Functions: "Advocacy, partnership, knowledge e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism, partnerships amongst specialist groups, and fund tapping" will be some of its main activities.
• Governance structure:
  • General Assembly: IBCA will comprise a General Assembly consisting of all member countries
  • Council: Council of at least seven but not more than 15 member countries elected by the General Assembly for a term of 5 years
  • Secretariat: IBCA will also have a secretariat which whill deal with all administration work.
  • Upon the recommendation of the Council, the General Assembly will appoint the IBCA Secretary General for a specific term.