International Big Cat Alliance to Convene First Major Meeting in Bengaluru This Weekend
Nearly three years after its grand launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mysuru, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is poised to host its first pivotal meeting in Bengaluru this Sunday. This inaugural session serves as a crucial precursor to the international summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi later this year, an event that was officially announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget presentation.
Formal Constitution and Strategic Choice of Venue
According to sources within the forest department, although the IBCA was initially launched in April 2023, it was only formally constituted in January 2025. The selection of Bengaluru as the host city for this inaugural session is a strategic decision by the Centre, aimed at recognizing and highlighting Karnataka's exemplary practices in big cat protection. "As a prelude to the forthcoming global summit in Delhi, the Centre chose Bengaluru to host the inaugural session in recognition of the state's best practices in protecting big cats. These methods will be showcased during Sunday's session," a forest department official explained.
Global Participation and Agenda
Confirmations have been received from range countries across the globe, with approximately 40 delegates from 18 member-nations expected to arrive in Bengaluru for the meeting. The agenda will focus on deliberating advanced conservation methodologies and sharing successful strategies. "After the inaugural event, the delegates will head to Mysuru, where they will stay for three days to understand Karnataka's Project Tiger initiatives at Bandipur and Nagarahole reserves," the officer elaborated. This hands-on experience is designed to provide practical insights into effective wildlife management.
About the International Big Cat Alliance
The International Big Cat Alliance is a comprehensive, multi-country, and multi-agency coalition headquartered in New Delhi. Its membership is extensive and diverse, encompassing:
- 95 big cat range countries
- Non-range nations with a vested interest in big cat conservation
- Conservation partners and scientific organizations engaged in research
- Business groups committed to supporting conservation efforts
The alliance focuses on the conservation of seven major big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, puma, jaguar, cheetah, and snow leopard. This collaborative framework aims to foster global cooperation, enhance research, and implement effective conservation policies to safeguard these majestic creatures for future generations.
