What is International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):

• It was launched by the Prime Minister of India in Mysuru on April 9, 2023, at an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger in India.
• Objective: Strengthen global cooperation and efforts for the conservation of seven big cat species (tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma) and their habitats.
  • Out of the seven big cats, five — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah — are found in India.
• The alliance aims to reach out to 97 range countries covering the natural habitats of the seven big cats.
• IBCA has been conceived as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition to strengthen global cooperation and mobilise financial and technical resources to support the entire ecosystem associated with the conservation of these species and their habitats. 
• It will serve as an evolving platform for convergence of knowledge and best practices, supporting existing specific inter-governmental platforms, while also providing direct support to recovery efforts in potential range habitats.
• IBCA would have a multi-pronged approach in broad-basing and establishing linkages in several areas and help in knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, networking, advocacy, finance, and resource support.
• IBCA governance consists of an assembly of members, a standing committee, and a secretariat with its headquarters in India.
• IBCA has secured the Government of India's initial support of Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28).