New Delhi: In a significant step toward global wildlife conservation, a proposed ‘New Delhi Declaration’ is being finalised ahead of the upcoming global big cat summit scheduled for June 1. If adopted, it will become the first-ever international declaration dedicated to the conservation of seven big cat species.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), headquartered in New Delhi, in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs.
A First-of-Its-Kind Global Summit
The upcoming summit will mark a historic milestone as the first global platform focusing collectively on seven big cats:
- Tiger
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Snow Leopard
- Puma
- Jaguar
This distinguishes it from earlier efforts such as the International Tiger Forum, which focused solely on tiger conservation.
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Draft Shared with Member and Range Countries
According to sources, the IBCA secretariat has already circulated a draft of the declaration among:
- IBCA’s 24 member countries
- 95 range countries, where these species exist in the wild
Notably, 10 of the member nations are from Africa, while countries such as Kazakhstan, Namibia, and Thailand have been granted observer status.
PM Modi Likely to Attend High-Level Summit
Narendra Modi is expected to participate in the summit alongside heads of state and government representatives from multiple countries. The declaration is likely to be formally presented for adoption during this high-level meeting.
The summit is scheduled just a day after the India-Africa Forum Summit on May 31, underscoring India’s growing leadership in global environmental diplomacy.
Key Focus Areas of the Declaration
The proposed ‘New Delhi Declaration’ is expected to include several critical elements:
- Promotion of landscape-level and transboundary habitat connectivity
- Strengthening international cooperation against wildlife crime and poaching
- Mobilisation of financial resources for conservation
- Adoption of the One Health approach, linking wildlife, livestock, and human health
These measures aim to address growing threats such as deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, ecosystem degradation, and emerging diseases.
IBCA: A Global Platform for Big Cat Conservation
The International Big Cat Alliance was launched on April 9, 2023, by Narendra Modi during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Project Tiger.
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Budget: ₹150 crore for five years (2023–2028), approved by the Union Cabinet
- Objective: Create a unified global platform for big cat conservation
Global Participation Across Continents
The summit is expected to witness participation from:
- Government leaders and ministers
- Conservation organisations
- Academics and researchers
- Multilateral development banks
- Corporate stakeholders and local communities
The seven big cats collectively inhabit 95 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making their conservation a truly global responsibility.
India’s Expanding Role in Wildlife Conservation
India has already taken several international initiatives:
- Collaboration with African nations under the cheetah reintroduction programme
- Import of cheetahs from Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana
- Ongoing cooperation with Cambodia for tiger translocation
These efforts highlight India’s intent to position itself as a global leader in wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection.
Towards a Unified Global Framework
The ‘New Delhi Declaration’ is expected to serve as a cornerstone for future international cooperation, encouraging more countries to join the alliance and commit to conservation goals.
As apex predators, big cats play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Their protection is not just about saving species, but about preserving entire ecosystems and ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations.
About IBCA
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization launched by India on April 9, 2023, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. Headquartered in New Delhi, this global coalition aims to conserve seven major big cats: the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. With an initial funding commitment of ₹150 crore (~$18 million) from the Indian government, IBCA facilitates international collaboration in habitat protection, anti-poaching, and knowledge sharing among 95+ range countries. It officially became a legal international entity on January 23, 2025, after ratification by founding members.
