New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to advance Big Cat Conservation under the International Big Cat Alliance. Ambassadors, High Commissioners and senior Government of India officials joined the discussions.
High-level dialogue reinforces conservation commitment
The Minister said IBCA reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that the alliance is rooted in trust, shared responsibility and partnership. And also noted that big cats — tigers, lions, snow leopards, cheetahs, leopards, pumas and jaguars — serve as apex predators and indicate ecosystem health. He added that joint capacity building and steady knowledge exchange can strengthen habitats and support regional green growth.
As India prepares to host the Global Big Cats Summit in New Delhi in 2026, the Minister urged countries to share best practices. He also invited wider participation in IBCA. According to him, the alliance enables nations to exchange strengths and shape cooperative conservation plans.
He highlighted India’s conservation ethos, which draws on nature-based solutions. Furthermore, he stressed the need to balance ecological stability with economic growth. With the IBCA Secretariat now active in New Delhi, the Minister reported that 18 countries have joined the Alliance, while three have taken Observer Status.
The meeting closed with a joint commitment to scale up cooperation. Consequently, India reaffirmed its resolve to work with global partners to secure the future of big cats and their habitats.
