Bhopal is set to host the curtain-raiser for the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026 at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) on May 22, which coincides with International Biodiversity Day. This event underscores Madhya Pradesh's pivotal role in India's big cat conservation, as the state boasts the highest tiger population in the country and leads the cheetah reintroduction project in Kuno National Park.
Event Details and Participants
The programme, jointly organized by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and the International Big Cat Alliance, will bring together senior central government officials, wildlife experts, and forest officers. It serves as a precursor to the main IBCA Summit scheduled for June 1–2 in New Delhi.
The event will commence with the flagging off of 20 motorcycles and a rescue truck by the state forest department, supported by HUDCO, aimed at raising awareness about biodiversity conservation.
Key Presentations and Addresses
At the IIFM auditorium, IBCA Director General S P Yadav will deliver a presentation on the International Big Cat Alliance and India's plans for global cooperation in big cat conservation. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department will showcase the country's cheetah project, highlighting efforts to restore the species to the wild through Kuno National Park and other sites in the state. Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh is scheduled to address the gathering.
Significance for Madhya Pradesh
Officials emphasize that holding the curtain-raiser in Bhopal reflects Madhya Pradesh's growing prominence in wildlife conservation. The state not only has the highest number of tigers in India but is also at the forefront of the cheetah restoration programme. This event will serve as a build-up to the first International Big Cat Alliance Summit, which India will host in New Delhi next month.
About the International Big Cat Alliance
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 to unite countries for the protection of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. The alliance aims to foster collaboration on wildlife protection, habitat conservation, research, training, and addressing threats such as poaching and habitat loss.
The upcoming summit in New Delhi is expected to draw representatives from nearly 95 countries, including ministers, scientists, and conservation groups. A key anticipated outcome is the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration on Big Cat Conservation.” Before that, Bhopal will host the first major event linked to the summit, positioning Madhya Pradesh at the heart of India's preparations for the global gathering, according to officials.
