New Delhi, Aug 22 (HS):

The Government of India has conferred special privileges and immunities on the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), along with its representatives and officials, under the provisions of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947. The decision was notified through an official gazette order.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav announced the move in a post on X, stressing that the step reflects India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening global cooperation for the conservation of big cats such as tigers, lions, leopards and cheetahs. He said the privileges will enable IBCA to promote knowledge exchange, capacity building and international collaboration, all crucial for the survival of these apex predators and the ecosystems they sustain.

Formally established in January this year as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization and legal entity with its headquarters in New Delhi, IBCA has already attracted the support of 35 countries. Among them, 12 nations have signed the treaty, while three have opted for observer status.

The alliance was first launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the celebrations marking 50 years of Project Tiger. Its mission is to bring together nations to conserve seven big cat species worldwide—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma. Of these, five species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and cheetah—are found in India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar