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MEA Recognizes IBCA as an Inter-Governmental International Organization.

National | Dated: 06 Feb 2025

In February 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and its Secretariat, based in New Delhi, have officially become a full-fledged treaty-based inter-governmental international organization and legal entity, effective from January 23, 2025.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The MEA, acting as the Depository of the Framework Agreement on behalf of the Government of India (GoI), confirmed that five countries—Republic of India, Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of Eswatini, Federal Republic of Somalia, and Republic of Liberia—have officially deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, or approval under Article VIII (1) of the Framework Agreement.
  • - Currently, 27 countries, including India, have agreed to join IBCA, along with several international and national organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation.
  • - In April 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) during the ‘Commemoration of 50 Years of India’s Project Tiger’ event. In February 2024, the Government of India (GoI) approved IBCA’s establishment with its headquarters in New Delhi and a one-time budgetary support of Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28).

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) IBCA was established through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the nodal organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC). It aims to conserve seven big cat species—Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma—by promoting conservation initiatives worldwide.
  • (ii) Membership in IBCA is open to all United Nations (UN) member countries, including range countries that host these big cats and non-range countries that wish to support global big cat conservation efforts.
  • (iii) IBCA fosters international collaboration by uniting expertise and best practices to enhance global protection efforts, ensuring a coordinated approach to big cat conservation across different regions.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which ministry declared the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as an inter-governmental international organization?

Correct Answer: Ministry of External Affairs

🚀 Quick Recap:

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

  • Director General(DG): S P Yadav
  • Headquarters : New Delhi