Union Cabinet Approves International Big Cat Alliance with Rs 150 Crore Budget

Union Cabinet Approves International Big Cat Alliance with Rs 150 Crore Budget

VoM News Desk | February 29, 2024 | 05:14 PM IST | World | Follow on Google News

Union Cabinet Approves International Big Cat Alliance with Rs 150 Crore Budget

Union Cabinet Approves International Big Cat Alliance with Rs 150 Crore Budget

In a historic move, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the nod to the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in India. The approval comes with a substantial one-time budgetary support of Rs 150 crore, spanning five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

Prime Minister’s Vision: Global Leaders Unite Against Poaching

Acknowledging India’s pivotal role in wildlife conservation, Prime Minister Modi, during the Global Tiger Day in 2019, called for a coalition of global leaders to combat poaching in Asia. This vision materialized on April 9, 2023, as the PM officially launched the IBCA, aimed at safeguarding big cats and their habitats.

Multi-Country Coalition for Big Cat Conservation

The IBCA is envisioned as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition, comprising 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and corporate entities. This collaborative effort seeks to establish networks, share successful conservation practices, and provide financial support to bolster the conservation agenda.

The IBCA aims to foster mutual cooperation among nations for the benefit of big cat conservation. With a comprehensive approach encompassing knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, finance, and resources support, it strives to create a platform for common goals and centralized conservation efforts.

This collaborative initiative emphasizes the importance of integrating biodiversity policies with sustainable development goals (SDGs). By aligning conservation efforts with local needs and contributing to SDGs, the IBCA seeks to bring about holistic and inclusive conservation outcomes.

With an initial support of Rs 150 crore from the Government of India for the next five years, the IBCA looks to explore additional funding avenues from bilateral and multilateral agencies, public sector organizations, and international institutions. The alliance envisions a sustainable use of natural resources, mitigating challenges from climate change, and contributing to the well-being of communities dependent on these ecosystems. The IBCA marks a significant step towards global cooperation in securing the future of big cats and their habitats.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.