International Big Cat Alliance officially come into force

New Delhi In a significant move in the conservation of Big Cats globally, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has confirmed the Framework Agreement on establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force.

“From 23rd January, 2025, the IBCA and its Secretariat have become a full-fledged treaty based inter-governmental international organization and international legal entity” MEA said.

The alliance was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 April 2023, during the event ‘Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger’.

The Ministry said five countries, Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of India, Federal Republic of Somalia and Republic of Liberia have deposited the instruments of ratification/acceptance under the Article VIII (1) of the Framework Agreement.

As of now, 27 countries have consented to join IBCA with five of them, including India, depositing their respective instruments of ratification/ acceptance.

In a post on X, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory authority under MoEFCC of the Govt of India to conserve tigers and other big cats, said, “Delighted to inform that the @MEAIndia has confirmed the Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance @IBCA_official which now officially comes into force.” stated NTCA, the nodal organization of the IBCA.

With India’s leadership, IBCA is poised to facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise to protect the big cats at the global level.

The Union Cabinet, in its meeting held on 29th February 2024, approved the establishment of IBCA with headquarters in India.

It was launched with the aim of conservation of seven big cats – Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma – with membership of all UN countries/the range countries harbouring the said species and non-range countries where historically these species are not found but interested to support big cat conservation.