Agreement Signed As India to Host International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Headquarters

In a landmark move reinforcing India’s global leadership in wildlife conservation, the Government of India signed a formal agreement with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) to host its headquarters and secretariat. This agreement signifies India’s commitment to protecting the world’s seven major big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. The IBCA, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023 during the golden jubilee celebrations of Project Tiger, aims to foster global cooperation for conservation, research, and habitat preservation of these endangered species.

Key Highlights

Launch of IBCA

• Launched by PM Modi in April 2023 during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.
• Focus: Global conservation of seven big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.

Headquarters Agreement

• India signed an agreement with IBCA to host its HQ and secretariat.
• Marks India’s role as permanent host of the alliance.

Funding Support by Government of India:

• Rs 150 crore corpus for infrastructure, functioning, and recurring expenditure.
• Timeframe: 2023-24 to 2028-29.

Legal Status

• Became a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation in 2024.
• Came into force after ratification by 5 countries:
• India, Liberia, Eswatini, Somalia, and Nicaragua.

Provisions in the Agreement:

• Covers visa facilitation, privileges, and immunities for IBCA staff and premises.
• Establishes guidelines for operation, governance, and supplementary agreements.

Key Officials

• P Kumaran, Secretary (East), MEA – signed on behalf of India.
• S P Yadav, Director General, IBCA – signed on behalf of IBCA.