International Big Cat Alliance

06.02.2025

International Big Cat Alliance

Why in the news?   

Recently, in a major development, the Framework Agreement on establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force.

About International Big Cat Alliance:

• It was established by the Government of India, through the nodal organisation viz., National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• It was launched on 9th April 2023, during the event ‘Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger’.
• It aims to conserve the seven big cats - Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma.
• Membership: It is open to 97 'range' countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organizations, etc.
• Present Member countries: Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia and Liberia - have deposited the instruments of ratification under the Article VIII (1) of the Framework Agreement.

Objective:

• To facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise to achieve a common goal of conservation of big cats at global level.
• This unified approach, bolstered by financial support, aims to bolster the conservation agenda, halt the decline in big cat populations, and reverse current trends.

Governance Structure:

• 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 Assembly for a term of 5 years, and a Secretariat.
• Upon the recommendation of the Council, the General Assembly will appoint the IBCA Secretary General for a specific term.
• Funding: It has secured Government of India's initial support of Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28).

                                                         Source: PIB

Consider the following statements regarding the International Big Cat Alliance:

1. It was launched by India during the event ‘Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger’.

2. It aims to conserve seven big cats namely -Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer C