Focus: GS III- Environment and Ecology
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with headquarters in India.
The initiative is supported with a one-time budgetary support of Rs.150 crore for a period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
About International Big Cat Alliance:
- Aim:
- It aims to strengthen global cooperation and efforts for conservation of seven big cat species and their habitats.
- Objective:
- IBCA aims for mutual cooperation among countries for mutual benefit in furthering the conservation agenda.
- IBCA would have a multipronged approach in broad basing and establishing linkages manifold in several areas and help in knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, finance and resources support, research and technical support, education and awareness.
- Members:
- The International Big Cat Alliance has been conceived as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition of 96 big cat range countries,
- Non-range countries interested in big cat conservation
- Conservation partners and scientific organizations working in the field of big cat conservation
- Business groups and corporates willing to contribute to the cause of big cats
- Seven big cats include Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and the Cheetah out of these five big cats viz. Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Cheetah are found in India.
