International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• India has extended privileges and immunities to IBCA and its officials under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, facilitating its smooth functioning and diplomatic status in India.

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

1. Establishment

• Launched in April 2023 to mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.

• A treaty-based inter-governmental organisation focused on conservation of seven major big cat species globally.

2. Covered Big Cats

• Tiger

• Lion

• Leopard

• Snow Leopard

• Cheetah

• Jaguar

• Puma

3. Objective

• To facilitate collaboration and synergy among countries and organizations involved in big cat conservation.

• To consolidate and share successful conservation practices and expertise for effective global protection of big cats.

4. Membership

• Includes 95 range and non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and corporates.

• Open to all UN Member States:

  • Range countries: Where big cats naturally occur.

  • Non-range countries: Interested in supporting global conservation efforts.

5. Implementation

• The IBCA operates through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

6. Institutional Support and Funding

• India has committed ₹150 crore for 2023–2028 to support IBCA’s:

  • Creation of a corpus fund.

  • Building necessary infrastructure.

  • Meeting recurring expenses.

7. Current Members

• The alliance currently has 12 member countries, including India.