Nepal Joins India-Led International Big Cat Alliance for Conservation
Nepal has officially become a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an initiative launched by India to conserve seven species of big cats globally. Home to tigers, snow leopards, and common leopards, Nepal's participation is a significant boost to regional conservation. The IBCA aims to create a global network for over 90 range and non-range countries to share expertise and resources, strengthening collaborative efforts to protect these iconic species and their habitats across Asia and beyond.
Unpacked:
Nepal is home to tigers, snow leopards, and common leopards. These species are critical for maintaining ecological balance, as they are apex predators. Their presence indicates healthy ecosystems, and they hold cultural and economic significance, especially for eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation.
The IBCA is a treaty-based intergovernmental alliance fostering cooperation among countries for the conservation of seven big cat species. Its goals include habitat protection, research, combating illegal wildlife trade, capacity building, law enforcement, and promoting community involvement and eco-tourism for sustainable development.
India hosts over 70% of the world’s tiger population and has led successful conservation programs like Project Tiger, Project Lion, and the Snow Leopard Project. These achievements and its leadership in biodiversity conservation make India an ideal host and policy hub for global big cat conservation efforts.
The IBCA will share best practices, technical expertise, and research through platforms like a Centre of Excellence for Big Cat Standards. It will facilitate knowledge exchange, funding, capacity building, and collaborative initiatives, helping member countries strengthen conservation policies and adapt successful models to their local contexts.