About IBCA

• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is an initiative of India.
• It aims to conserve seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma harbouring our planet.
• Membership to the alliance will be open to 97 range countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organizations, etc.
• The purpose of this alliance is to provide a platform for dissemination of information on benchmarked practices, capacity building, resources repository, research and development, awareness creation, with regard to protection and conservation of the Big cats.
• Major activities undertaken under IBCA include advocacy, partnership, knowledge e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism, partnerships between expert groups and finance tapping.

Governance Structure

• The IBCA’s governance structure will comprise a General Assembly consisting of all member countries.
• It will have a Council of at least seven but not more than 15 member countries elected by the General Assembly for a term of 5 years, and a Secretariat. 
• Upon the recommendation of the Council, the General Assembly will appoint the IBCA Secretary General for a specific term.

Funding Mechanism

• India has committed to provide a total grant assistance of $100 million, for 5 years, post which the IBCA is expected to sustain itself through membership fees, and contributions from bilateral and multilateral institutions and the private sector.

Why in news ?

• India has proposed to launch a mega global alliance under its leadership to protect big cats and assured support over five years with guaranteed funding of $100 million.