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Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with headquarters in India. A one-time budgetary support of Rs. 150 crore has been sanctioned for a period of five years, covering the span from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

Details

• The Prime Minister of India recognized India's leading role in conserving big cats and endangered species. This acknowledgement prompted the call for an Alliance of Global Leaders during Global Tiger Day in 2019 and the formal launch of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in 2023, commemorating 50 years of India's Project Tiger.

Big Cat Species in India

• India is home to five out of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Cheetah. The long-standing conservation practices in India, especially for tigers, are considered pioneering and could serve as a model for other countries.

Formation and Objectives of IBCA

• IBCA is conceptualized as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition involving 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and business groups. The primary goal is to create a centralized repository of successful practices and personnel, backed by financial support, to reverse the decline in big cat populations.

Mutual Cooperation and Multipronged Approach

• IBCA aims to foster mutual cooperation among countries for the conservation agenda. The alliance adopts a multipronged approach involving knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, finance, resources support, research, technical support, education, and awareness.

Role of Big Cats in Sustainable Development

• Big cats are envisioned as mascots for sustainable development and livelihood security. The initiative aims to contribute to environmental resilience and climate change mitigation, emphasizing the centrality of natural ecosystems in economic and development policies.

Synergy and Collaborative Platform

• IBCA envisions synergy through a collaborative platform for disseminating gold-standard big cat conservation practices. It provides access to a common repository of technical know-how and funds while strengthening existing intergovernmental platforms, networks, and transnational initiatives for conservation.

Governance Structure and Framework

• IBCA's governance structure includes an Assembly of Members, a Standing Committee, and a Secretariat headquartered in India. The framework is modelled after the International Solar Alliance (ISA), with a Steering Committee constituted by nominated national focal points.

Financial Support and Exploration

• The Government of India has initially provided Rs. 150 crore for five years. IBCA plans to explore additional contributions from bilateral and multilateral agencies, public sector organizations, national and international financial institutions, and donor agencies to augment its financial resources.

Integration with SDGs and Mainstreaming Biodiversity

• IBCA recognizes the importance of integrating biodiversity policies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative advocates for policy initiatives aligned with local needs, promoting sustainable land-use practices, habitat restoration initiatives, and ecosystem-based approaches.

Impact on Climate Change and Future Prospects

• IBCA's governance and financial support structure is designed to address challenges emanating from climate change. The alliance aims to safeguard big cats and their habitats, contributing to natural climate adaptation, water and food security, and the well-being of communities.

Cooperation and Long-Term Conservation Agenda

• IBCA seeks to instil cooperation among countries for mutual benefit and significantly contribute to long-term conservation goals, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

Conclusion

• The International Big Cat Alliance is positioned as a collaborative platform to address global conservation challenges, promote sustainable development, and align with international goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following is the primary goal of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)? A) To create breeding programs for endangered big cats B) To promote ecotourism in regions with big cat populations C) To facilitate international collaboration for big cat conservation D) To eliminate poaching of big cats Answer:  C Explanation: The IBCA's main focus is to bring together a range of countries (nations with big cat populations) and other interested parties to work collectively on conservation efforts. This includes sharing knowledge, coordinating strategies, and addressing threats to big cat populations.