India’s Ambitious Step: Establishing an International Big Cat Alliance
Introduction: In a significant move, the Union Cabinet of India has approved the creation of an International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), mirroring the successful International Solar Alliance. This initiative, led by the Union environment ministry and backed by a commitment of ₹150 crore over five years, aims to share India’s successful big cat conservation practices globally.
The Need for IBCA: Globally recognized as ‘big cats,’ including the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah, these magnificent species face conservation challenges across their habitats. India, home to all these big cats except the puma and jaguar, has emerged as a leader in implementing effective conservation strategies. However, many big cat countries lack resources, standardized practices, and an international body dedicated to addressing conservation challenges.
Objectives of IBCA: The IBCA will act as a central hub for disseminating good practices in big cat conservation. With a proposed headquarters in India, the alliance will bridge the resource gap, promoting standardized processes globally. India plans to sign memoranda of understanding with 16 nations, including Cambodia, to translocate big cats, extending the initiative’s reach and impact.
In a groundbreaking move, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). This historic initiative, with its headquarters in India, is slated to receive a one-time budgetary support of Rs.150 crore over five years, spanning from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
1. The Genesis of IBCA
The roots of the International Big Cat Alliance can be traced back to India’s commendable efforts in conserving its tiger population and other endangered species. Prime Minister Modi, in his Global Tiger Day speech in 2019, envisioned a coalition of global leaders to combat poaching in Asia. This vision took tangible form on April 9, 2023, commemorating 50 years of India’s Project Tiger, with the formal launch of the IBCA.
2. Big Cats of India
India boasts a diverse biodiversity that includes seven prominent big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah. Notably, five of these majestic species find their habitat within India’s borders, positioning the nation as a pivotal player in global big cat conservation.
3. The IBCA Mandate
The International Big Cat Alliance transcends national boundaries, evolving into a multi-country, multi-agency coalition involving 96 big cat range countries. This alliance extends its reach to non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and even business groups willing to contribute. The primary objective is to establish a centralized repository of successful conservation practices, supported by financial backing, to reverse the declining trend in big cat populations.
Partnerships with Cambodia: India’s collaboration with Cambodia, involving the translocation of tigers, marks a significant stride. Sixteen nations, including Cambodia, have expressed written consent to be part of the IBCA. The alliance is set to expand, welcoming countries, conservation organizations, scientific bodies, businesses, and corporates keen on supporting big cat conservation.
Benefits of Membership: The alliance promises a centralized repository for technical knowledge and a dedicated fund corpus. It aims to strengthen existing intergovernmental platforms, networks, and transnational initiatives focused on big cat conservation. Training programs for frontline staff in member countries, research and development in wildlife monitoring, and empowering local communities for eco-tourism and livelihood opportunities are integral components.
India-Cambodia Collaboration: While discussions about sending tigers from India to Cambodia are underway, concrete plans are yet to be finalized. The collaboration holds the potential to revive Cambodia’s extinct tiger population, with Indian forest officials assessing the suitability of Cambodian forests for sustaining a tiger population.
4. Mutual Cooperation for Conservation
IBCA envisions a cooperative effort among countries for the betterment of big cat conservation. The alliance plans to create networks for knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, and financial and technical support. Big cats are slated to become mascots for sustainable development, interweaving environmental resilience and climate change mitigation with economic and developmental policies.
5. Synergy and Collaboration
The framework of the alliance is meticulously designed to foster synergy through a collaborative platform. This ensures the dissemination of gold standard big cat conservation practices, strengthening existing intergovernmental platforms, networks, and transnational initiatives on conservation. The overarching goal is to secure our ecological future and mitigate the effects of climate change.
6. Mainstreaming Biodiversity and Sustainable Development
IBCA emphasizes the integration of biodiversity policies with sustainable development goals (SDGs) to achieve holistic conservation outcomes. Aligning conservation efforts with local needs, the alliance aims to contribute to UN SDGs related to climate change, food security, clean water, and poverty reduction.
7. Governance and Financial Support
The governance structure of IBCA comprises an Assembly of Members, Standing Committee, and a Secretariat headquartered in India. Drawing inspiration from the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the framework of agreement will be finalized by the International Steering Committee. The Indian government has pledged an initial support of Rs. 150 crore, with plans to explore contributions from various sources for an augmented corpus.
8. IBCA’s Contribution to Climate Adaptation
IBCA’s impact transcends conservation; it ensures the sustainable use of natural resources, contributing to natural climate adaptation, water and food security, and the well-being of communities dependent on these ecosystems. The alliance aims to instill cooperation among countries for mutual benefit, significantly contributing to long-term conservation goals.
Conclusion
As India takes the lead in establishing the International Big Cat Alliance, the initiative signals a global commitment to the conservation of these iconic species. With partnerships and collaborations in the pipeline, the IBCA holds the promise of uniting nations, organizations, and communities in a shared endeavor to protect and preserve big cats for future generations.
FAQs
Q1: How will IBCA benefit non-range countries?
IBCA welcomes non-range countries interested in big cat conservation. Their involvement contributes to the alliance’s diverse expertise and financial support, fostering a global commitment to the cause.
Q2: What role do brand ambassadors play in IBCA?
Brand ambassadors across range countries amplify the Big Cat Conservation campaign, engaging the masses, especially youth and local communities, essential stakeholders in the conservation process.
Q3: How does IBCA align with sustainable development goals (SDGs)?
IBCA integrates biodiversity policies with SDGs, promoting sustainable land-use practices, habitat restoration, and ecosystem-based approaches for climate change, food security, and poverty reduction.
Q4: How can countries join IBCA?
Countries can join IBCA by becoming members of the Assembly, actively participating in the Standing Committee, and supporting the Secretariat’s initiatives.
Q5: How can individuals contribute to IBCA’s mission?
Individuals can contribute by spreading awareness, supporting local conservation initiatives, and advocating for policies that align with IBCA’s vision. Every small effort counts in securing the future of big cats.
Source: PIB Delhi
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