The upcoming Global Big Cat Summit, to be held by the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) from June 1-2, will adopt the Delhi Declaration on Big Cat Conservation, a united global commitment to strengthen cross-border cooperation and protect big cats and their habitats, Union Environment Minister Bhupinder Yadav said on Wednesday.
Yadav also launched the website and logo for the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026.
The upcoming IBCA Summit in June will bring together heads of state/government, experts and partners from around the world to deliberate on the future of big cat conservation. “The summit is of strategic importance as it will strengthen international partnerships, enhance South-South cooperation, and inspire collective action across countries where big cats live. It will also help align conservation efforts with global biodiversity and climate goals,” Yadav said.
Urging all large-scale countries that have not yet joined the IBCA to join the alliance, Yadav said, “I would like to take this opportunity to urge all those present here to extend their full support to ensure participation at the highest level from your countries. Your leadership and participation will be crucial in making this summit a truly global success.”
“From the success of Project Tiger to initiatives related to the conservation of lions, leopards, snow leopards and cheetahs, India has proven that conservation and development can go hand in hand. These efforts have not only strengthened ecosystems but also improved livelihoods, enhanced resilience, and mitigated climate challenges,” Yadav added.
At present, there are 24 member countries of IBCA, including Angola, Armenia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Guatemala, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, etc.
The Government of India established the IBCA in 2024 through its nodal organisation, the National Tiger Conservation Authority, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The primary objective of IBCA is to facilitate cooperation and synergy between scope countries and other stakeholders.
The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal for India to become a member state of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) by signing and ratifying the Framework Agreement for its establishment in 2024.
The primary goal of IBCA is to facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, and to consolidate successful preservation practices and expertise into a central repository. Along with financial support for focused conservation efforts, IBCA plans to halt the decline in big cat populations and reverse current trends.
The IBCA was launched to conserve tigers, lions, cheetahs, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars and pumas. It offers membership to all UN Member States, including range countries that home the species, as well as off-range countries interested in supporting big cat conservation.
