"PM Modi Launches Global Initiative to Protect Big Cats on Project Tiger's 50th Anniversary"

PM Modi Launches Global Initiative to Protect:-

On April 6th, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Big Cats Alliance to mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. The initiative aims to bring together countries with Large populations of big cats to collaborate and work toward their conservation.

In a remarkable achievement for India's conservation efforts, the country has successfully brought cheetahs back to its wildlife reserves after their extinction several decades ago. India, which occupies just 2.4% of the world's land area, is responsible for 8% of global diversity. The translocation of cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to India marks the first successful trans-continental initiative of its kind. Furthermore, India boasts the largest population of Asiatic elephants in the world, with around 30,000 of these majestic creatures residing in the country's range. This feat is a testament to India's commitment to biodiversity conservation and its ability to implement effective translocation programs.

Big cats, which include lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and snow leopards, are facing various threats, including habitat loss, and conflict with humans. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the global population of tigers has decreased by over 95% in the last century, with only an estimated 3,900 remaining in the wild.

The International Big Cats Alliance seeks to address these challenges through cooperation among participating countries. The initiative will facilitate the exchange of information, expertise, and best practices in big cat conservation, as well as support research and innovation in the field.

During the launch event, PM Modi highlighted the importance of preserving the planet's biodiversity and stressed the need for collective action to protect endangered species. He also emphasized India's commitment to big cat conservation and shared the country's successful experiences with Project Tiger.

Several countries have joined the International Big Cats Alliance, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Russia. The alliance also welcomes participation from other countries with significant big cat populations.

The initiative has been welcomed by conservationists, who have long advocated for international cooperation to protect endangered species. WWF's Director General, Marco Lambertini, praised the launch of the alliance as "an important step towards ensuring a future for big cats and their habitats."

In addition to the launch of the International Big Cats Alliance, PM Modi also announced India's commitment to doubling its tiger population by 2028. This goal will be achieved through a combination of habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement.

Prime Minister Modi also met the couple featured in the Oscar-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers' and highlighted India's legacy of the beautiful relationship between nature and animals. He urged foreign dignitaries to learn from the traditions and lives of India's tribal society. The documentary showcases the wonderful bond between humans and elephants and is a testament to India's conservation efforts.

Overall, the International Big Cats Alliance is a positive step towards protecting these majestic animals and their habitats. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, participating countries can work towards ensuring a future for big cats and preserving biodiversity for generations to come.

What is IBCA?

The Indian government has launched the International Coalition for Big Cats (IBCA) to protect and conserve seven major big cat species, including tigers and lions, in collaboration with 97 range countries.

The IBCA will provide funding of over 800 crore and engage in advocacy, capacity building, eco-tourism, partnerships, and awareness creation to rehabilitate the big cats. The alliance aims to disseminate information on benchmarked practices, capacity building, resources repository, research and development, and awareness creation. The initiative was prompted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call in July 2019 for an Alliance of Global Leaders to Curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia.

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