INTERNATIONAL BIG CAT ALLIANCE
Context: Recent Development (August 2025)
- On August 8, 2025, the Government of India extended United Nations-style privileges and immunities to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and its officials.
- This move follows the Host Country Agreement signed between India and IBCA.
- The legal basis for this decision is the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947.
WHAT ARE UN STYLE PRIVILEGES & IMMUNITIES?
| Aspect | Meaning |
| Privileges | Exemptions that enable international bodies to operate independently |
| Immunities | Protection from legal jurisdiction for official acts |
| Example Provisions | Tax exemption, inviolability of premises, immunity from legal process |
| Purpose | To help organisations operate without interference from host country governments |
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BIG CAT ALLIANCE
| Feature | Details |
| Launched | April 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Type | Treaty-based inter-governmental alliance |
| Headquarters | India (New Delhi) |
| Objective | Global collaboration for conservation of big cats |
| Official Languages | As per UN protocols |
| Organisational Status | Now granted diplomatic privileges under Indian law |
SPECIES COVERED UNDER IBCA
| Big Cat | Habitat | Range | IUCN Status |
| Tiger | Forests, mangroves, grasslands | India, Southeast Asia, Siberia | Endangered |
| Lion | Grasslands, scrublands | Africa, India (Gir Forest, Gujarat) | Vulnerable |
| Leopard | Forests, mountains, savannahs | Africa, South & Central Asia | Vulnerable |
| Snow Leopard | High-altitude mountains (3,000–5,500 m) | Himalayas, Central Asia | Vulnerable |
| Cheetah | Grasslands, open savannahs | Africa; reintroduced in India (Kuno, MP) | Vulnerable (African) / CR (Asian) |
| Jaguar | Rainforests, wetlands | Amazon basin, Central & South America | Near Threatened |
| Puma | Mountains, grasslands, forests | North to South America | Least Concern |
GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP & REACH
- 95 member countries (both range and non-range nations)
- Stakeholders include:
- Governments
- Scientific and research organisations
- Conservation NGOs
- Corporate and private sector partners
AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF IBCA
| Goal | Details |
| Conservation | Promote sustainable conservation of big cats and their habitats |
| Collaboration | Facilitate international partnerships and joint initiatives |
| Knowledge Exchange | Share best practices, scientific research, and policy frameworks |
| Capacity Building | Provide technical and financial support to member nations |
| Community Engagement | Promote local community participation in conservation efforts |
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF IBCA
| Event Detail | Description |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Chairperson | Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment |
| Participating Countries | Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia, Kazakhstan |
| Key Outcomes | |
| – Endorsed leadership | Bhupender Yadav as President; S.P. Yadav as Director General |
| – Approved documents | Headquarters Agreement, Workplan, Rules of Procedure, and Financial Regulations |
INDIA’S LEADERSHIP ROLE
- India is:
- Home to a large population of tigers, leopards, lions, and snow leopards
- A global leader in wildlife conservation efforts like Project Tiger and Project Lion
- Actively involved in reintroducing cheetahs and supporting transboundary species conservation
- Hosting IBCA cements India’s leadership in global biodiversity diplomacy.
ABOUT UN (PRIVILEGES & IMMUNITY) ACT, 1947
| Aspect | Details |
| Purpose | To give effect in India to UN Convention on Privileges and Immunities |
| Applies To | UN, World Bank, international organisations like IBCA |
| Privileges Granted | Tax exemption, legal immunity, inviolability of premises, diplomatic protection |
| Impact on IBCA | Ensures independent functioning, protection from lawsuits or interference |
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOVE
- Reinforces India’s global environmental diplomacy
- Promotes international cooperation in wildlife conservation
- Positions India as a neutral and supportive host for multilateral institutions
- Enables smoother functioning, legal protection, and capacity building initiatives
WAY FORWARD
- Sustain International Collaboration
- Encourage more nations to join IBCA
- Promote science-led, inclusive conservation frameworks
- Enhance Data Sharing and Research
- Develop global conservation databases
- Standardize monitoring protocols for all 7 big cats
- Community-Based Conservation
- Integrate indigenous knowledge and livelihoods
- Incentivize local stewardship of biodiversity
- Institutional Strengthening of IBCA
- Set up regional offices in key big cat habitats
- Build financial sustainability mechanisms
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