New Delhi: In a major step toward global wildlife conservation, India is set to host the first-ever International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026 in New Delhi on June 1–2, 2026, bringing together world leaders, conservation experts, and policymakers under one platform dedicated to protecting big cat species.
A proposed ‘New Delhi Declaration’ is currently being finalised ahead of the summit, which, if adopted, will become the first international declaration exclusively focused on the conservation of seven big cat species.
Promotional Film Highlights Global Importance of Big Cat Conservation
The promotional film released for the summit powerfully underscores why big cats are critical beyond wildlife protection.
Read Also: Big Cat Summit 2026: ‘New Delhi Declaration’ to Be First Global Pact on 7 Big Cats, India to Lead
It highlights their role in:
- Maintaining ecological balance
- Strengthening climate resilience
- Preserving biodiversity
- Supporting healthy ecosystems
The message reinforces that protecting big cats is directly linked to safeguarding the planet’s environmental future.
The promotional film for #IBCASummit2026 powerfully captures why #BigCats matter far beyond wildlife conservation. From maintaining ecological balance to strengthening climate resilience, the video highlights the shared global responsibility of protecting these apex species.
— International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) (@IBCA_official) May 6, 2026
As… pic.twitter.com/shoETzTadj
India to Host First-Ever Global Big Cat Summit
The upcoming summit will be hosted by the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an inter-governmental organisation headquartered in India and supported by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The summit will be held under the theme: “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem.”
More than 400 participants are expected, including:
- Heads of State and Government
- Conservation scientists
- Policy experts
- Multilateral agencies
- Corporate leaders
- Community representatives
Seven Big Cats in Focus for the First Time
Unlike earlier conservation initiatives such as tiger-focused global forums, this summit will uniquely address seven big cat species together:
- Tiger
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Snow Leopard
- Puma
- Jaguar
This marks the first global attempt to address big cat conservation in an integrated and unified framework.
‘New Delhi Declaration’ to Be Historic Outcome
A key highlight of the summit will be the proposed ‘New Delhi Declaration’, which is being finalised as a global commitment document on big cat conservation.
If adopted, it will:
- Be the first international declaration dedicated to big cats
- Strengthen transboundary conservation cooperation
- Promote landscape-based conservation strategies
- Encourage shared global responsibility
The declaration aims to align conservation efforts across continents for long-term species survival.
India’s Leadership in Wildlife Conservation Highlighted
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the IBCA Summit logo, website, and promotional film during a high-level event in New Delhi.
He highlighted India’s conservation journey through initiatives like:
- Project Tiger
- Lion and leopard conservation programmes
- Snow leopard protection efforts
- Cheetah reintroduction initiatives
He stated that India has demonstrated that development and conservation can go hand in hand.
IBCA Summit to Strengthen Global Partnerships
The summit is expected to:
- Strengthen international cooperation
- Promote South-South collaboration
- Align conservation with climate goals
- Encourage participation from 95 range countries
Officials noted that big cat range countries not yet part of IBCA are being encouraged to join the alliance to build a stronger global conservation platform.
Global Exhibition and Technical Sessions Planned
Alongside the summit, a curated exhibition will showcase:
- Tribal art and cultural representations
- Wildlife photography
- Conservation films
- Virtual reality experiences
- India’s biodiversity conservation models
Technical sessions will follow on June 1–2, 2026, focusing on science, policy, and ground-level conservation strategies.
Environmental Diplomacy
The IBCA Summit 2026 is being seen as a landmark global event that could reshape international wildlife conservation policy. With the proposed Delhi Declaration and India’s leadership role, the summit aims to position big cat conservation at the center of global environmental diplomacy.
