International Big Cat Alliance Opens New Office in New Delhi

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the official office premises of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) at 55 Lodhi Estate in New Delhi. The new headquarters will serve as the global hub for coordinating conservation efforts across range countries.

IBCA Headquarters at a Glance

Official Inauguration and Headquarters Timeline

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav officially inaugurated the new office of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on October 12, 2026. Located at 55 Lodhi Estate in New Delhi, the facility marks the official working headquarters for the treaty-based intergovernmental body.

The new headquarters provides a centralized base to align international diplomatic, financial, and scientific resources toward protecting big cat habitats globally.

What Is the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, the IBCA is an India-headquartered treaty-based intergovernmental organization. It coordinates international efforts to protect the world's seven major big cat species:

1. Tiger (Panthera tigris)
2. Lion (Panthera leo)
3. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
4. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
5. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
6. Jaguar (Panthera onca)
7. Puma (Puma concolor)

Funding and International Reach

The Government of India has committed initial budgetary support of ₹150 crore over five fiscal years (2023–24 to 2027–28). To date, 29 countries have formally joined the IBCA as member states, 5 countries hold observer status, and 11 additional range nations have indicated formal consent to join.

Major Achievements and Milestones

During its initial phase of operations, the IBCA established several global conservation initiatives:

• International Capacity-Building Twinning Programs: Sponsored through the Ministry of External Affairs' Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework to train international wildlife officers.
• PRIME Cat Health Programme: Specialized veterinary training sessions serving professionals across 20 range nations to standardize big cat disease management and healthcare protocols.
• Global Forum Engagement: Active representation at major multilateral environmental conventions, including CITES Standing Committee meetings and the UNFCCC COP events.
• Public Outreach: International photography competitions and educational webinars driving public participation in wildlife conservation.