India cements its global conservation leadership by hosting the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) headquarters and pledging financial support for wildlife preservation
In a significant move toward global wildlife conservation, the Government of India and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially signed the Headquarters Agreement on April 17, 2025, in New Delhi. The agreement was signed by P Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and Dr. S.P. Yadav, Director General of IBCA.
The pact will establish India as the host of IBCA’s headquarters, furthering efforts for global big cat conservation through international collaboration and dedicated funding.
Under the agreement, India will serve as the home for the IBCA Headquarters and Secretariat, ensuring the Alliance has the operational framework and institutional privileges necessary to fulfill its conservation objectives. The agreement covers arrangements for visas, privileges, immunities, and operational provisions for the Secretariat and its personnel.
The Government of India has committed a financial outlay of Rs 150 crore to support IBCA’s mission. This funding will help establish a corpus, develop infrastructure, and cover recurring expenses from 2023-24 to 2028-29.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the “Commemorating 50 Years of Project Tiger” event in Mysuru, IBCA focuses on the conservation of seven majestic big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
The initiative aims to consolidate conservation expertise, facilitate global cooperation, and create synergy among nations to safeguard these iconic species for future generations.
India’s commitment to hosting the IBCA underscores the country’s long-standing dedication to wildlife conservation and its emerging leadership on the global environmental stage.
