Introduction to IBCA and Its Objectives

  • Bullet Point 1: IBCA is an intergovernmental organisation that was launched on the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger in April 2023.
  • Bullet Point 2: Its main aim is the conservation of seven major big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.
  • Bullet Point 3: The organisation attained its legal status after ratification by five countries: India, Liberia, Eswatini, Somalia, and Nicaragua, with India officially joining in September 2023.

 

Governance and Membership of IBCA

  • Bullet Point 1: The governing body of IBCA consists of an Assembly of Members, a Standing Committee, and a Secretariat, which is now based in India.
  • Bullet Point 2: Its membership is open to all United Nations member states, including both range and non-range countries interested in supporting conservation of big cats.

 

Origin and Implementation of IBCA

  • Bullet Point 1: The IBCA was launched by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in 2023 and was subsequently approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024.
  • Bullet Point 2: It functions as a global platform overseeing conservation efforts, funding conservation initiatives and creating a repository of technical knowledge.

 

IBCA's Involvement in Conservation Efforts

  • Bullet Point 1: The IBCA provides a platform for cooperation among conservationists, policymakers, researchers, and governments worldwide.
  • Bullet Point 2: It facilitates sharing of conservation strategies and offers financial and technical assistance to nations lacking resources.
  • Bullet Point 3: IBCA works in conjunction with various wildlife protection treaties, supporting national and regional conservation programs.

 

Significance of IBCA Establishment in Climate Change Mitigation

  • Bullet Point 1: The conservation of apex predators, such as big cats, facilitates the preservation of ecosystem health, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.
  • Bullet Point 2: IBCA's efforts to restore forests and grasslands also contribute to carbon sequestration and climate adaptation.

 

The Role of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in the Implementation of IBCA

  • Bullet Point 1: The NTCA, an authoritative body under MoEFCC, was established in 2005 and achieved statutory status under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006. 
  • Bullet Point 2: It ensures federal accountability in tiger reserve management and takes into consideration local livelihood concerns related to these reserves.

 

Overview of Major Conservation Efforts For Big Cats in India

  • Bullet Point 1: The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project, Project Snow Leopard, and Project Cheetah are some of India's initiatives aimed at preserving big cat species.
  • Bullet Point 2: The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 are legislative measures that support big cat conservation in the country.