International Big Cat Alliance

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a mega global alliance launched by India in April 2023 during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. The alliance aim at conservation of world's seven principal big cats, which include the tiger, lion, snow leopard, leopard, jaguar, puma, and cheetah. Through the alliance, the member nations will exchange experiences, provide faster assistance to their neighbours, and place a strong emphasis on capacity building. The Intergovernmental body will have 97 countries with many Asian and African countries becoming a part of the alliance. Standard operating procedures will be created by the alliance and used by all members as a guide. There will be also a list of dos and don'ts that will instruct nations on how to stop illegal wildlife trading and poaching. The idea holds that once illegal wildlife trade is reduced, poaching will eventually come to an end. The IBCA is anticipated to be self-sustaining after the first five years, which will be supported by India's "total grant assistance" of $100 million(over Rs 800 crore), through membership fees, contributions from bilateral and multilateral organisations, and the private sector.

Governance

A general assembly, will consist of all member countries. A secretariat and a council with a minimum of seven but a maximum of fifteen member nations will be chosen by the general assembly for a five-year term. The IBCA secretary general will be appointed by the general assembly for a defined period on the advice of the council.

Membership

In September 2024 India formally joined the IBCA after an approval from the Union Cabinet. India also signed and ratified the framework. Four nations including India, Nicaragua, Eswatini and Somalia have become the IBCA members now.