Overview of the Union Cabinet’s approval for the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Budgetary support of Rs.150 crore approved for the period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
Background
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for an Alliance of Global Leaders to combat poaching during the Global Tiger Day in 2019.
- Announcement of the launch of IBCA on April 9, 2023, commemorating 50 years of India’s Project Tiger.
- Recognition of India’s leading role in conserving big cats and endangered species.
Objectives of IBCA
- Securing the future of big cats and their habitats.
- Replication of successful conservation practices.
- Establishment of a centralized repository of conservation practices.
- Bringing together range countries and other stakeholders on a common platform.
Big Cats in India
- Presence of five out of seven big cat species in India, including Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Cheetah.
Structure of IBCA
- Multi-country, multi-agency coalition involving 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries interested in conservation, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and corporate entities.
- Governance comprising Assembly of Members, Standing Committee, and Secretariat based in India.
- Drafted framework modeled after International Solar Alliance (ISA) and International Steering Committee (ISC).
Activities of IBCA
- Knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, financial support, research, technical assistance, education, and awareness.
- Engagement of brand ambassadors to promote conservation efforts.
- Integration of biodiversity policies with sustainable development goals.
- Mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors such as agriculture, forestry, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Financial Support and Sustainability
- Initial support of Rs. 150 crore from the Government of India for five years.
- Exploration of additional funding from bilateral and multilateral agencies, public sector organizations, financial institutions, and donor agencies.
- Focus on sustainable use of natural resources and mitigation of climate change challenges.
Conclusion
- IBCA aims to ensure the sustainable conservation of big cats and their habitats through international cooperation and holistic approaches aligned with sustainable development goals.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who chaired the Union Cabinet for the approval of the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance?
a) President of India
b) Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
c) Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
d) Minister of External Affairs
Answer: b) Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi - How many big cat species out of seven are found in India?
a) Four
b) Five
c) Six
d) Seven
Answer: b) Five - Which organization’s framework was IBCA modeled after?
a) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
b) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
c) International Solar Alliance (ISA)
d) World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Answer: c) International Solar Alliance (ISA) - What is the initial budgetary support provided by the Government of India for IBCA?
a) Rs. 100 crore
b) Rs. 200 crore
c) Rs. 150 crore
d) Rs. 50 crore
Answer: c) Rs. 150 crore - What is one of the main objectives of IBCA?
a) Promoting industrial development
b) Securing the future of big cats and their habitats
c) Enhancing military capabilities
d) Expanding urban infrastructure
Answer: b) Securing the future of big cats and their habitats