New Delhi: Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav has inaugurated the new office premises of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) at 55 Lodhi Estate in New Delhi, establishing a new address for the international organisation’s headquarters in India.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government officials, representatives of international organisations and dignitaries working across environmental conservation, biodiversity and sustainable development.
IBCA Director General Dr. S.P. Yadav welcomed the Union Minister and other dignitaries and provided an overview of the alliance, its activities and ongoing programmes.
Among those present were Director General of Forests and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Santosh Tewari, along with other senior ministry officials.
International Organisations Attend IBCA Office Inauguration
The event witnessed participation from representatives of several national and international institutions, reflecting the alliance’s international engagement in wildlife conservation and environmental cooperation.
Participants included representatives associated with the following organisations:
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- World Bank
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)
The participation of these organisations highlighted the broader institutional engagement surrounding IBCA and its international conservation activities.
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What Is the International Big Cat Alliance?
The International Big Cat Alliance is a treaty-based intergovernmental international organisation established with its headquarters in India. Its primary objective is to promote the conservation of seven major big cat species found across the world.
The seven species covered by the alliance are:
- Lion
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Snow leopard
- Cheetah
- Jaguar
- Puma
Through international cooperation, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives, IBCA aims to support conservation efforts for these species and strengthen collaboration among participating countries.
India Pledges ₹150 Crore for IBCA
The Government of India has pledged an initial contribution of ₹150 crore to support the alliance over five years, covering the period from 2023–24 to 2027–28.
According to the information shared by IBCA, the alliance has continued to expand its international participation.
Its membership status includes:
- 29 member countries, including India.
- Five observer countries.
- 11 additional countries that have consented to become members of the alliance.
The growing participation reflects IBCA’s efforts to establish an international framework for cooperation in big cat conservation.
IBCA’s Key Achievements in Capacity Building and Conservation
Within approximately two and a half years of its establishment, IBCA has undertaken several initiatives focused on professional training, animal health, international engagement and public awareness.
1. International Capacity-Building Programmes
IBCA has organised two capacity-building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs. The programmes involved participants from different countries and supported the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
2. PRIME Cat Health Programme
The alliance organised the PRIME Cat Health Programme for veterinary doctors from 20 countries. The initiative focused on professional engagement in big cat health and veterinary care.
3. Participation in International Forums
IBCA has participated in international platforms dealing with wildlife conservation, climate change and biodiversity. These engagements have included:
- Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES COP).
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP).
- CITES Standing Committee meetings.
Participation in these forums provides opportunities for international dialogue and cooperation on conservation-related issues.
4. Awareness and Outreach Initiatives
IBCA has also conducted awareness and outreach activities to promote public engagement in big cat conservation. These initiatives have included international webinars and global photography competitions.
Such activities aim to increase awareness of big cat species and encourage wider participation in conservation efforts.
IBCA Headquarters Strengthens India’s Role in Big Cat Conservation
The inauguration of the new office premises at 55 Lodhi Estate marks an important development in the institutional presence of the International Big Cat Alliance in India.
With financial support from the Government of India, growing international membership and programmes spanning capacity building, veterinary health, international cooperation and public awareness, IBCA continues to develop its role in global big cat conservation.
The alliance’s work is focused on strengthening cooperation among countries to support the long-term conservation of lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars and pumas.
