New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) during his visit to Karnataka. He also released a commemorative coin on the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger. PM Modi and other dignitaries gave standing ovation to Tiger at the inaugural session of commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger.
During the programme, he released the publication ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision for Tiger Conservation’, a summary report of 5th cycle of Management Effective Evaluation of Tiger Reserves. He also released a summary report of All India Tiger Estimation (5th cycle).
“International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world,” PM Modi said.
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After the launch, PM Modi said, “Project Tiger leads the way in the protection and conservation of big cats. It is part of Indian culture to protect nature. The success of Project Tiger is a matter of pride not only for India but for the whole world. India has completed 75 years of independence; and at the same time, 75% of the world’s tiger population is in India.”
He added, “With only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India contributes to about 8% of the known global diversity. Cheetahs had become extinct in India decades ago. We brought this magnificent big cat to India from Namibia and South Africa. This is the first successful trans-continental translocation of the big cat. With nearly 30,000 Elephants, we are the largest Asiatic Elephant range country in the world.”
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PM Modi had also met Bomman and Bellie, the couple who featured in the Oscar-winning documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’. He said, “The Elephant Whispers documentary that won an Oscar also reflects our legacy of the wonderful relationship between nature and creatures. I urge you (foreign dignitaries) to take something from the life and tradition of our tribal society.”
What is IBCA?
IBCA will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world such as tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah in collaboration with countries harbouring these species.
“The belief of Narendra Modi has been integral in the environmental consciousness. Wide-ranging efforts have been undertaken, which have together positively impacted the wildlife in the country,” according to a government release.
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- The IBCA will provide assured support over five years with guaranteed funding of over Rs 800 crore.
- The group will work towards the protection of the seven big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah.
- Membership to the alliance will be open to 97 “range” countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organisations, etc.
- The IBCA will engage in advocacy, partnership, knowledge e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism, partnerships between expert groups and finance tapping.
- The main objective of the alliance is to rehabilitate the big cats.
- The alliance will disseminate information on benchmarked practices, capacity building, resources repository, research and development, and awareness creation.
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In July 2019, Prime Minister Modi called for an Alliance of Global Leaders to firmly curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia. According to the government, the population of tigers increased by 33% over 4 years to 2,967 in 2018. The PM will release the latest figures of the tiger population on 9 April.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi visited Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka where he interacted with frontline field staff and self-help groups involved in conservation efforts, as part of programmes to mark 50 years of ‘Project Tiger’.
