Gandhinagar/Sasan Gir: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel virtually inaugurated the first pre-event of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026, focusing on lion conservation at Sasan Gir.
The main IBCA Summit will be held in New Delhi on June 1–2, 2026, under the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As part of the build-up, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will organize thematic pre-events across India, including Bhopal (cheetah), Bhubaneswar (leopard), Gangtok (snow leopard), Chandrapur (tiger), and Sasan Gir (lion conservation).
Lion Conservation Showcased at Sasan Gir Pre-Event
The Sasan Gir event highlighted conservation efforts for the Asiatic lion, India’s pride species.
CM Bhupendra Patel said that Gujarat’s successful conservation model reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development with Heritage).
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Forest and Environment Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia, and Minister of State Pravin Kumar Mali participated in the event.
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Asiatic Lion Population Rises to 891 in Gujarat
CM Patel highlighted major achievements in lion conservation, noting a significant rise in population from 284 in 1991 to around 891 today.
He also informed that lion habitats have expanded from three districts to 11 districts over the past decades. Lions have naturally migrated to the Barda region, which has now developed into a new habitat housing around 24 lions.
Project Lion and Modern Wildlife Protection Measures
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the ₹2,000 crore Project Lion, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key initiatives under the project include:
- Breeding and isolation centres
- Modern treatment facilities
- Radio collar tracking systems
- Drone surveillance for monitoring wildlife
He said the project not only focuses on wildlife protection but also supports local economic development through the “Greater Gir” model.
IBCA Summit to Promote Global Wildlife Conservation Cooperation
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that India will host the IBCA Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
He added that the summit will bring together global leaders, scientists, wildlife experts, and environmental organizations to strengthen cooperation for big cat conservation.
He also announced that a “Delhi Declaration” will be released, forming a global framework for wildlife protection.
India is home to five of the seven big cat species, including tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
Gujarat’s Model Recognized as Global Example of Conservation
Officials highlighted that Gujarat’s lion conservation model has become an international benchmark.
CM Patel said the conservation approach connects ecology with emotion while also strengthening the local economy.
He emphasized that protecting nature while ensuring development is key to sustainable progress.
Expansion of Big Cat Habitats and Future Plans
Forest and Environment Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia informed that efforts are underway to develop a permanent tiger habitat in Gujarat.
He also mentioned the increasing presence of leopards and tigers in certain forest regions and preparations to introduce cheetahs into the state’s ecosystem.
The government aims to further strengthen biodiversity conservation under the guidance of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister.
The IBCA 2026 pre-event at Sasan Gir marks a significant step toward global wildlife conservation collaboration. With Gujarat’s successful lion conservation model and India’s leadership in protecting big cat species, the upcoming IBCA Summit in New Delhi is expected to set a global benchmark for wildlife protection and ecological sustainability.
