International Big Cat Alliance [UPSC Notes]

India has proposed to launch a mega global alliance called the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) under its leadership to protect big cats and assured support over five years with guaranteed funding of $100 million (over Rs 800 crore). This is an important development as far as the conservation of species is concerned and hence, is a topic relevant for the IAS exam GS-3 paper.

International Big Cat Alliance

• It is a proposed mega-global alliance that will work toward the protection and conservation of the seven major big cats: cheetah, jaguar, puma, snow leopard, leopard, lion and tiger. 
• After the first five years, which will be supported by India’s ‘total grant assistance’ of $100 million, the IBCA is expected to sustain itself through contributions from the private sector, multilateral institutions and bilateral institutions and membership fees. 
• Its major activities will include partnerships between expert groups, eco-tourism,  capacity building, knowledge e-portal, partnership, advocacy and finance tapping.
• The alliance’s purpose is to provide a platform for the dissemination of information on awareness creation, research and development, resources repository, capacity building, benchmarked practices, etc., on the conservation and protection of big cats.
• Membership to the alliance will be open to 97 ‘range’ countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organizations, etc.
• Governance Structure: Assembly for a term of 5 years, and a Secretariat. A General Assembly consisting of all member countries. A Council of at least seven but not more than 15 member countries elected by the General. 

Read more about the national animal of India, the Royal Bengal Tiger in the link.

International Big Cat Alliance:- Download PDF Here