India Becomes Permanent Host of IBCA Secretariat After Signing Headquarters Agreement with IBCA.
National
In April 2025, the Government of India (GoI) officially signed a Headquarters Agreement with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), establishing India as the permanent host country for the IBCA headquarters and secretariat in New Delhi, Delhi. The agreement was signed by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Dr. S. P. Yadav, the first Director General (DG) of IBCA.
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has recently approved a financial allocation of ₹150 crore for the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) over a five-year period from 2023–24 to 2028–29. This funding is designated to support the creation of a corpus fund, develop the necessary infrastructure, and manage recurring operational expenditures of the IBCA.
-The Headquarters Agreement outlines essential operational protocols such as visa facilitation, privileges, and immunities for IBCA personnel and premises. Additionally, it establishes a robust legal framework that enables the signing of supplementary agreements to address administrative and functional needs for the smooth operation of the IBCA headquarters.
- IBCA holds a significant conservation role by working to combat major threats faced by big cats globally, including habitat destruction, illegal poaching, and escalating human-wildlife conflicts. The alliance aims to facilitate collaborative efforts, both nationally and internationally, to preserve these endangered species and their ecosystems.
Main Point :- (i) The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was launched by PM Modi in April 2023 to facilitate global conservation efforts for seven big cat species, including tigers, lions, and leopards, fostering international cooperation.
(ii) IBCA achieved treaty-based intergovernmental status in 2025. It currently has 27 member countries, working together on capacity building, technology use, and research to ensure the survival of big cats, addressing threats like poaching and habitat loss.
(iii) On 17 April 2025, India signed an agreement to host IBCA's headquarters in New Delhi. This solidifies India’s commitment to big cat conservation and supports initiatives such as wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and international cooperation.
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