TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: The Union Environment Ministry of India has proposed the establishment of an International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), aiming to address the conservation challenges faced by ‘big cats’ globally.
EXPLANATION:
- Drawing inspiration from the successful International Solar Alliance, the IBCA is set to play a pivotal role in disseminating conservation practices and creating a collaborative platform.
Global Significance
- India’s Leadership in Tiger Conservation: India’s prowess in tiger conservation has been globally recognized, positioning the country as a leader in big cat conservation efforts.
- Scope of Big Cats: The IBCA encompasses iconic species like tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, pumas, jaguars, and cheetahs. Except for pumas and jaguars, all these species are found in India.
IBCA Structure and Funding
- Headquarters and Funding: The IBCA will be headquartered in India, with an initial commitment of ₹150 crore for five years. This financial support underscores India’s dedication to the cause.
- Corpus Fund: A corpus fund will be established, ensuring a sustainable source of financial support for conservation initiatives. This is a crucial aspect to address the resource gap in many big cat countries.
Membership and Global Participation
- Current Members: As of now, 16 countries have formally joined the IBCA. With 96 countries worldwide hosting big cats, the alliance is open to additional participants, including conservation organizations, scientific bodies, businesses, and corporates interested in supporting big cats.
- Collaborative Approach: The IBCA aims to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange on an international scale, leveraging India’s experience in evolving effective conservation practices.
Conservation Strategies and Training
- Technical Know-How Repository: One of the benefits for member countries is access to a central repository for technical know-how. This repository will serve as a valuable resource for implementing successful conservation strategies.
- Strengthening Initiatives: The IBCA will strengthen existing species-specific intergovernmental platforms, networks, and transnational initiatives on conservation and protection.
- Training Programs: Frontline staff in member countries will receive training in garnering local support for big cat conservation. This includes research and development in wildlife monitoring, emphasizing a holistic approach.
Community Engagement and Eco-Tourism
- Empowering Local Communities: The alliance recognizes the importance of involving local communities living near forests. Training programs will encourage and empower them to participate in eco-tourism initiatives and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Ongoing Initiatives and Future Prospects
- India-Cambodia Collaboration: An example cited is the memorandum between India and Cambodia to revive Cambodia’s extinct tiger population. This initiative showcases the practical implementation of the alliance’s goals.
- Potential Tiger Transfer: While discussions about transferring tigers from India to Cambodia have taken place, concrete plans are yet to be finalized, according to Minister Bhupendra Yadav.