Union Environment Minister Inaugurates IBCA Headquarters
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · Environment · Posted 12 OCT 2026 6:29PM
What happened
The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated the new office premises of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) at 55 Lodhi Estate in New Delhi. IBCA is a treaty-based inter-governmental organization headquartered in India dedicated to conserving seven major big cat species.
Why it matters for UPSC
This is important for UPSC civil services preparation under environmental conservation and international treaties, highlighting India's leadership in global biodiversity initiatives.
Key objectives
- IBCA focuses on the conservation of seven big cats: Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Snow-Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
- Government of India pledged an initial contribution of Rs. 150 crore for five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
- 29 countries have joined IBCA as members, with 5 countries as Observers and 11 consented to become members.