The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially designated India as its headquarters. This announcement follows the ratification of the IBCA framework by five member countries, including India. The alliance aims to enhance the global conservation efforts for seven big cat species – the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah. The agreement was formalised on a Thursday, marking milestone in international wildlife conservation.
Background of the IBCA
The IBCA was initiated by India during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger in April 2023. It was created to encourage collaboration among nations in the conservation of big cats. The alliance aims to address challenges faced by these species due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
Key Features of the Agreement
The agreement establishes India as the host country for the IBCA headquarters and secretariat. It includes provisions for operational functions, budgetary support, and necessary infrastructure. India will allocate Rs 150 crore over five years for the IBCA’s establishment and operational expenses.
Member Countries and Ratification
The IBCA framework was ratified by five countries – India, Liberia, Eswatini, Somalia, and Nicaragua. This ratification allowed the IBCA to function as a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation. The collaboration aims to enhance the protection of big cats across their natural habitats.
India’s Role and Contributions
India’s role in the IBCA is very important. The country not only hosts the headquarters but also provides financial backing. The budgetary support will be used to create a corpus fund, build infrastructure, and cover recurring expenses. This commitment puts stress on India’s leadership in wildlife conservation.
Future Implications for Big Cat Conservation
The establishment of the IBCA in India is expected to galvanise global efforts in big cat conservation. It will facilitate the sharing of best practices, research, and resources among member countries. The alliance aims to create a unified approach to combat threats faced by big cats worldwide.
Operational Framework and Privileges
The agreement outlines the operational framework for the IBCA. It specifies the privileges and immunities extended to the IBCA secretariat and its personnel. This legal framework is essential for the smooth functioning of the alliance and its initiatives.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of international treaties in wildlife conservation.
- What are the challenges faced by big cats in their habitats? Explain with suitable examples.
- What is the significance of India’s leadership in global wildlife initiatives? Discuss.
- Explain the implications of financial support for conservation organisations on their effectiveness and sustainability.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of international treaties in wildlife conservation.
- International treaties create binding commitments for countries to protect endangered species and habitats.
- They facilitate collaboration and resource sharing among nations, enhancing conservation efforts.
- Examples include CITES and the Convention on Biological Diversity, which set frameworks for wildlife protection.
- Treaties can lead to increased funding and support for conservation projects through international cooperation.
- Challenges include enforcement issues and varying levels of commitment among signatory countries.
2. What are the challenges faced by big cats in their habitats? Explain with suitable examples.
- Habitat loss due to urbanization and agriculture reduces the living space for big cats.
- Poaching and illegal wildlife trade threaten species like tigers and leopards for their skins and body parts.
- Climate change impacts prey availability and alters habitats, affecting big cat survival.
- Human-wildlife conflict arises when big cats encroach on human settlements, leading to retaliatory killings.
- Examples include the decline of the snow leopard due to climate changes and habitat fragmentation in the Himalayas.
3. What is the significance of India’s leadership in global wildlife initiatives? Discuss.
- India’s leadership showcases its commitment to biodiversity and conservation on an international platform.
- Hosting the IBCA headquarters emphasizes India’s role as a hub for global wildlife conservation efforts.
- India’s experience with initiatives like Project Tiger serves as a model for other countries.
- Strong financial support from India for conservation projects boosts international collaborative efforts.
- India’s leadership can influence policy changes and encourage other nations to prioritize wildlife protection.
4. Explain the implications of financial support for conservation organisations on their effectiveness and sustainability.
- Financial support enables conservation organizations to implement and sustain long-term projects effectively.
- It allows for the development of infrastructure and capacity building within local communities.
- Funding can enhance research capabilities and enable the monitoring of wildlife populations and habitats.
- Consistent financial backing encourages partnerships and collaborative efforts among various stakeholders.
- However, reliance on external funding can lead to vulnerabilities if support is withdrawn or reduced.
