PAST EVENTS

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and PwC India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen global efforts for the conservation of big cats and their habitats.

Through this collaboration, both organizations will work together to enhance conservation finance, promote community stewardship, build awareness, and strengthen international cooperation. The partnership aims to support innovative approaches and scalable solutions that contribute to the long-term protection of big cat species across their range countries.

This MoU will also facilitate global dialogue and enable the sharing of India’s extensive experience in big cat conservation with the international community, further contributing to informed policymaking and effective conservation strategies worldwide.

IBCA and South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network signed an MoU on 22nd January, reinforcing collaboration to combat wildlife crime and strengthen conservation across South Asia.

Dr S. P. Yadav, DG, IBCA and Mr Sanjay Kumar, Former DG, MoEFCC, inaugurated the Big Cat Rally from IBCA Headquarters in New Delhi on January 27, 2026. The 30-day rally will traverse 7,000 km across India, commencing on 27 January 2026 from New Delhi, highlighting conservation priorities and landscapes critical for big cats. The rally is being organised by IBCA and Dharti International Foundation, in collaboration with the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE), Wildlife Institute of India and EIACP India.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, chaired a high-level meeting on the ‘Collaborative Initiative for Big Cat Conservation’, under the framework of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), in New Delhi on 8th December, 2025. The meeting brought together Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Big-cat range countries, alongside senior officials from Government of India.

Chairing the meeting, Shri Bhupender Yadav reiterated that IBCA is the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, designed as a partnership-driven global initiative anchored in trust, mutual respect and shared responsibility. He highlighted the global ecological value of big cats. The Minister emphasized that big cats - tigers, lions, snow leopards, cheetahs, leopards, pumas and jaguars - are more than charismatic animals. They are apex predators, regulators of ecological balance, and sentinels of ecosystem health. “We aim at working together to improve their habitat by capacity building and knowledge sharing for green growth of the entire area”, he stated.

Dr. Amit Mallick, Director (International Cooperation), IBCA participated in the “International Olympiad on Climate Change and Environmental Issues” as a member of the esteemed four-member International Jury, alongside other distinguished colleagues from Malaysia, China, and Qatar.

The Olympiad has drawn participation from 11 countries, namely: Ethiopia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Costa Rica, Djibouti, India, Tajikistan, Myanmar, Russia, and Qatar.

Dr. Amit Mallick, Director (International Cooperation), IBCA, addressed a session at the International Scientific Conference on Ecology and Climate Change, organised by Sirius University of Science and Technology at Sirius Federal Territory, Russia. He delivered a comprehensive presentation on “Technology-Inclusive Approaches: Biodiversity Conservation and Protection Monitoring in the Indian Context”, highlighting how India has been leveraging tools such as remote sensing, AI-enabled monitoring, and community-driven digital platforms to strengthen biodiversity protection. He further underlined the potential role of the IBCA in advancing big cat conservation globally through innovative technological interventions.

At the Closing Ceremony of the “International Olympiad on Climate Change & Environmental Issues” held in Russia, Dr. Amit Mallick, Director (International Cooperation), IBCA, presented the Gold Medal Awards to the winners. During his special address on the occasion, Dr. Mallick underscored the global role of IBCA in fostering collaborative efforts for the conservation of Big Cats. He elaborated on IBCA’s mission and vision to safeguard these iconic species through international cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. He also drew attention to the forthcoming “Global Summit on Big Cat Conservation” to be held in India.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) signed a MoU on 16 April, 2026, bringing together conservation and industry for a shared purpose. This partnership will catalyze innovation, raise awareness, build capacity, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable practices to support the conservation of big cats across their global range.

Dr. Tamali Mondal, Programme Associate, International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), participated in the Applied Conservation Technology Congress (ACT Con) held from 3–7 November 2025 at the Hanoi Daewoo Hotel, Vietnam.

The event, jointly hosted by SMART Partnership, EarthRanger, and Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, convened global leaders in conservation, technology, governance, and research to explore innovative solutions for biodiversity protection.

ACT Con 2025 served as a global platform for conservationists, technologists, government representatives, NGOs, researchers, and community leaders to discuss how cutting-edge technologies are transforming field-based conservation and management. The Congress emphasized the need to translate technology into actionable conservation outcomes, strengthen ground-level management, and build capacity among practitioners to ensure the long-term protection of wildlife and ecosystems. Through IBCA’s participation, the event provided an opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange best practices, and identify emerging technologies relevant to big cat conservation and monitoring frameworks across range countries.

A delegation comprising of wildlife experts from South Africa, led by Mr Anthony Christopher Mitchell, Head of Office and Cabinet Liasion, along with representative from the Embassy of South Africa in India and officials from the NTCA India visited IBCA headquarters in New Delhi on Nov 8. Dr Vaibhav Mathur, DIG, NTCA, made a presentation highlighting the Government of India’s initiatives for tiger conservation, with a special emphasis on community participation and sustainable management practices. Dr. S. P Yadav, Director General, IBCA, delivered a brief presentation outlining the vision, objectives, and the rationale behind the establishment of IBCA. He also elaborated on the potential avenues through which IBCA could contribute to the conservation of Big Cats and their habitats globally. The South African delegation expressed its appreciation to NTCA and IBCA for the warm welcome and the opportunity for dialogue. They also appreciated the effective functioning of Tiger Foundations, particularly the involvement of local communities in the conservation of tigers and their habitats. The delegation conveyed interest in undertaking a visit to Tiger Reserve and observe & explore the modalities and operations of Tiger Foundations. IBCA and South African delegation conveyed their intent to explore avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of big cat conservation.

Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav presents awards to Winners of Global Big Cats Photography Competition 2025. The awards ceremony was organised by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), Aarts Maestro and the Uttar Pradesh EcoTourism Development Board, as a pre-summit event to the forthcoming Global Summit on Big Cat Conservation in 2026.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Bhupender Yadav described how India’s thriving ecosystems are the foundation of its thriving wildlife. In the past decade, he shared, India’s forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 square kilometers, with 25.17% green cover now. The Protected Area Network has grown to 1,022, covering 5.43% of the geographical area of the country, he added. The Minister further informed about the addition of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, with it getting recognized as India's first high-altitude Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, marking India's 13th site in the network. Further, 487 eco-sensitive zones now act as vital corridors for wildlife movement, he informed.

The Minister also noted the stellar work being done by our institutions that have been the backbone of this transformation. NTCA introduced smart patrols and the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest camera-trap survey, while the Wildlife Institute of India has emerged as a global hub for AI-based monitoring, modern research, and robust science. “This is the New India of Conservation — driven by science, guided by values”, he noted. Shri Bhupender Yadav also highlighted the pivotal role of Jan Bhagidari in ensuring success in wildlife conservation. He quoted examples of programmes like Himal Rakshaks in Ladakh, Cheetah Mitras in Madhya Pradesh, and Vanya Prani Mitras in Gujarat, that embody the power of community stewardship.

Talking about the importance of the Global Photography Competition, Shri Bhupender Yadav said that it holds special significance as it forms part of the pre-summit events leading to the upcoming Global Summit on Big Cat Conservation, which will be hosted by India in 2026. “The Summit will mark a milestone moment in the collective global efforts to secure the future of the seven majestic big cat species—the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Jaguar, Cheetah, and Puma—that together represent the grandeur and ecological richness of our planet. This event is also significant as it is being celebrated on the 8th of October, commemorating Wildlife Week in India, a time when we reaffirm our collective commitment to the protection of our precious flora and fauna,” he added.

The Minister extended congratulations to all the winners and participants and stated, “Your passion for wildlife and your commitment to portraying the splendour of big cats contribute significantly to the larger mission of global conservation.”

The Global Big Cats Photography Competition complements this mission by serving not merely as a contest of artistic excellence, but as a celebration of nature, wildlife, and the deep human connection with the natural world. This year’s competition drew entries from more than 1,000 participants, showcasing thousands of breathtaking photographs from some of the most diverse wilderness regions of the world. After rigorous evaluation, 456 entries were shortlisted for the final jury selection, leading to the recognition of the winning photographs. The winners of the competition were felicitated by the Minister, in the august presence of Ambassadors of Big Cat Range Countries, officials of MoEFCC, Ministry of External Affairs, Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, and various conservation organisations.

The Winners of the competition are:

• Mr. Rajarshi Banerji – 1st Prize
• Mr. Abhijit Chattopadhyay – 2nd Prize
• Mr. Narayan Malu – 3rd Prize
• Mr. Anosh Koppikar – 4th Prize
• Mr. Prasad Hamine – 5th Prize
• Mr. Jeetendra Chaware – 6th Prize
• Mr. Vishwas Patwardhan – 7th Prize
• Mr. Vinod Sharma – 8th Prize

During the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) showcased its commitment to the conservation of big cats through various sessions and meetings. The event was attended by Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta, Director Program and Dr. Kausik Banerjee, Lead Program. One significant session titled "Scaling up Global Action for Big Cat Conservation" featured eminent speakers who emphasized the urgent need for coordinated global strategies and inclusive partnerships. These discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration among governments, conservation groups, researchers, financial institutions, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to effectively address the threats faced by big cats.

In addition to the main sessions, IBCA facilitated a crucial meeting involving key figures in big cat conservation. Mr. Dasgupta, the Director of Programs at IBCA, alongside Mr. David Sterling Earl Gadsden, the Senior Adviser on Geospatial Strategy and Applications, engaged in fruitful discussions with officials from the IUCN Asia Regional Office. These conversations centered around IBCA’s mission and vision for global big cat conservation, with a strong focus on harnessing scientific expertise and fostering collaborative partnerships to enhance conservation efforts.

Furthermore, Mr. Dasgupta held a significant meeting with Dr. Fred Launay, CEO of Panthera, where they explored opportunities for collaboration between IBCA and Panthera. Their discussions aimed to strengthen global initiatives dedicated to the conservation of big cats and their habitats. Mr. Dasgupta reiterated IBCA’s vision of nurturing international cooperation, promoting scientific research, and building capacity within the field, inviting Panthera to join in advancing collective efforts to secure the long-term survival of these iconic species. Overall, IBCA's participation at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 solidified its role as a key player in big cat conservation, emphasizing the necessity for a unified approach and innovative solutions to ensure these majestic animals thrive in their natural habitats.

International Big Cat Alliance conducted a session in the 2nd Indian Conservation Conference 2025 held in the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. The session was organized under the theme of Big Cat Conservation: Strategies, Challenges, Best Practices and Innovations, with six expert talks that discussed their ongoing work and field experiences. The session's opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Kausik Banerjee, Lead Program IBCA, while Dr. Tamali Mondal, Program Associate, moderated the session.

Dr Dennis Ikanda, Wildlife Species Lead, WWF Tanzania highlighted key efforts to protect lions and reduce human-wildlife conflict. He spoke about the role of Lion Guardians, trained Maasai warriors who protect livestock, track lion movements, and alert communities when lions are nearby. He also highlighted the use of practical deterrents such as living walls, solar-powered lights, and early warning systems to prevent attacks on livestock. On the research side, he emphasized the use of satellite collars and population censuses to monitor lion movements and identify critical habitats. Dr Ikanda also drew attention to ongoing work to restore wildlife corridors, combat poaching, and engage communities through workshops and trained coexistence officers, all aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence between people and lions.

Dr Patrick Lendrum, Program Manager, Great Plains Program, WWF US discussed the challenges, successes, and opportunities in puma conservation. He noted that pumas historically ranged across 23–28 countries, though they are now largely absent from the eastern United States where they once thrived. Key threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, both legal and illegal hunting, a decline in native prey, genetic isolation, and disease. Dr Lendrum also highlighted promising tools and strategies being used to support puma conservation, such as remote cameras, GPS collars, improved livestock enclosures, carnivore exclosures, and growing efforts in public education and awareness. He shared two key examples: the Santa Cruz Puma Project in North America, which studies the impacts of habitat fragmentation on puma behavior and ecology; and work in Patagonia National Park in South America, which focuses on increasing public tolerance and awareness around pumas.

Ms Sarah Stoner, Intelligence Lead, Go Insight, presented Cat Byte, a cutting-edge platform that provides data-driven insights into the trade of big cats. By integrating advanced analytics with intelligence methodologies, CatByte helps identify patterns, assess risks, and reveal key dynamics related to the trade in eight big cat species. Stoner highlighted trends from the past 25 years, shedding light on how big cats have been traded as commodities, examining demand and supply across different geographies. Her presentation underscored the importance of actionable intelligence in tackling the illegal wildlife trade and informing targeted conservation strategies.

Ms Valeria Boron, PhD, Jaguar Lead, WWF-UK, presented on Jaguar Conservation: Innovations, Opportunities, and Implementation of Biodiversity and Climate Commitments. She noted that jaguars can also be melanistic and that their range spans 9% of the world’s land area, which hosts 28% of global biodiversity. She outlined key threats to the species, including habitat loss due to infrastructure, agriculture, mining, climate change, forest fires, direct killings from human-jaguar conflict, and illegal trade. Boron linked jaguar conservation to the Global Biodiversity Framework, highlighting its relevance to targets 4, 5, 9, and 12, among others.

She stressed that conserving jaguars is essential to maintaining global ecological stability and warned that inaction could result in losing the 1.5°C climate goal. She also highlighted the Jaguar 2030 Conservation Roadmap for the Americas and emphasized current efforts to secure strong jaguar strongholds, build habitat connectivity, stop jaguar killings, catalyse regional cooperation, and create the enabling conditions needed for long-term conservation success.

Dr Koustubh Sharma, Director of Science and Conservation, Snow Leopard Trust, Kyrgyzstan, spoke on the realities and challenges of snow leopard conservation. He emphasized that snow leopards, found across 12 countries, are not only iconic species but also ambassadors of international cooperation. Dr Sharma highlighted the importance of community engagement in mitigating conflict and reducing negative interactions between people and snow leopards.

He also presented findings from a recent genome sequencing study, which revealed that snow leopards have the lowest genetic diversity among the Panthera genus, making them especially vulnerable to environmental changes and disease. Thanks to advances in technology, particularly GPS collaring, researchers can now better estimate snow leopard populations, he said, a task that was nearly impossible in the past due to the species' elusive nature and remote habitat.

Mr Pravir Deshmukh, Senior Counsellor at the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, India, spoke on the business case for investing in big cat conservation. He emphasized the importance of recognizing nature-related risks within business value chains and introduced India-specific tools designed to assess these risks. Mr. Deshmukh also showcased case studies of Indian organizations that have integrated wildlife conservation into their CSR initiatives, demonstrating how aligning business strategies with biodiversity goals can contribute to both ecological and economic sustainability.

The first Assembly of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for conservation of big cats in range countries, was held in New Delhi, today. Union Minster for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav presided over the meeting. The Assembly, which is apex body of the IBCA, was attended by Ministerial delegation from 9 countries, viz., Kingdom of Bhutan, Kingdom of Cambodia, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Guinea, Republic of India, Republic of Liberia, Republic of Suriname, Federal Republic of Somalia and Republic of Kazakhstan.

The curtain-raiser of the 2nd "Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation" Executive Course on Wildlife for Conservation Practitioners was held on 9th Jan 2026 at New Delhi. The event was attended by Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 28 range countries, and senior officials of MoEFCC and the Ministry of External Affairs. Dr. S. P. Yadav, Director General, IBCA, welcomed the delegates and outlined the programme, while Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta, Director (Programme), IBCA, presented the course structure and invited early nominations. The ITEC course will be held in the Bandipur–Nagarhole landscape, Karnataka, from 9th to 13th Feb 2026.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE) was signed at the IRALE 2026 Conference at Periyar Tiger Reserve on 28 February, 2026.

This partnership marks an important step toward strengthening collaboration in wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable landscape management.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) warmly welcomes Paraguay as its newest Member Country!

His Excellency Mr Fleming Duarte, Ambassador of the Paraguay to India signed the Framework Agreement at the IBCA Secretariat and formally handed over to Dr S. P. Yadav, Director General, IBCA. Another collective step towards strengthening of global cooperation for BigCat conservation and a sustainable planet.

The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and IBCA have signed an MoU on 21st January 2026 for the establishment of the Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve, Himachal Pradesh.

This strategic partnership will significantly strengthen Snow Leopard conservation in the State through a holistic, landscape based approach, integrating biodiversity protection, community engagement, and sustainable management.

IBCA proudly celebrates the successful completion of the Alwar Tiger Marathon, a flagship community initiative that combined fitness with environmental awareness. The event was graced by Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Union Minister, Smt Diya Kumari, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Dr SP Yadav, Director General, IBCA, and Mr Randeep Hooda, Actor & Wildlife Enthusiast, among other dignitaries. The event featured:
🏁 21 km – International Half Marathon
🏁 10 km – Challenge Run
🏁 5 km – Community Run
🏁 2 km – Para Marathon

A delegation from the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), comprising Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta, Director (Program), and Mr. Aditya Bisht, Programme Associate, participated in the IX Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Programme (GSLEP) held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan from 5-6th June, 2025.

In the sidelines of the meeting, bilateral discussions were held with Hon'ble Ministers and Senior Representatives from Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Meaningful dialogues were held with key international conservation partners, multilateral organizations connected with Snow Leopard conservation including Snow Leopard Trust, WWF International, NABU, UNDP, UNEP, and GEF, where IBCA’s objectives and ongoing initiatives were shared. The IBCA team extended formal invitations to these countries and organizations to join the alliance and work in synergy towards big cat conservation.

These engagements appeared to be extremely fruitful and expected to yield promising outcomes, with the participating countries expressing keen interest and providing assurances of their support and future participation in IBCA’s initiatives. Conservation organizations also conveyed their appreciation for India’s leadership and expressed willingness to explore future collaborations with IBCA.

Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta chaired the session titled “Strengthening Ethical Foundations and Local Community Leadership in Snow Leopard Conservation.” During the session, he emphasized the critical role of integrating ethical conservation practices and empowering local communities as frontline stewards of snow leopard habitats. He also highlighted the potential for meaningful collaboration between IBCA, GSLEP, and the Ethical Conservation Alliance. He extolled on the participation of GSLEP/ ECA in the upcoming International Conference on Big Cats conservation, proposed to be held in India in the month of February, 2026 (tentatively).

Later in the forenoon, Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta delivered a comprehensive and insightful presentation about the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), articulating its vision, mission, and its strategic significance in strengthening big cat conservation globally. He elaborated on IBCA’s objectives, key activities, and collaborative approach in addressing conservation challenges, particularly for snow leopard, due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, illegal wildlife trade, and the threat of climate change.

He elaborated on the unique role of IBCA as a global conservation alliance, led and supported by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India for inclusive conservation action, bringing together 95 big cats range countries, international organizations, and financial institutions to pool resources, share best practices, and foster collective action for the conservation of seven major big cat species and their habitats.

During the presentation, appeal was made to the Snow Leopard range countries and international conservation partners to consider formally joining IBCA, thereby becoming active contributors to this global movement. He urged that collective participation would not only strengthen conservation outcomes but would also demonstrate solidarity towards the protection of shared ecological heritage. A significant outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the Cholpon-Ata Resolution, which emphasized enhancing financial mechanisms for climate adaptation and conflict mitigation, with a particular focus on supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities. Importantly, the resolution made reference to IBCA, signalling growing recognition of its role and indicating the potential for future collaboration with GSLEP and the Ethical Conservation Alliance.

The participation of IBCA in the IX Steering Committee Meeting of GSLEP was highly productive and strategically significant. It provided an excellent platform to strengthen diplomatic and conservation partnerships, enhance the visibility of IBCA on the international stage, and lay the groundwork for further collaborations in the future.

The inaugural meeting of the International Steering Committee (ISC) of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was convened on April 16, 2024, in New Delhi, India, under chairmanship of Dr. S.P. Yadav, Interim Head IBCA. This significant gathering saw participation from fourteen countries, the Republic of Armenia, People's Republic of Bangladesh, Kingdom of Bhutan, Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of Ecuador, Arab Republic of Egypt, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Republic of India, Republic of Kenya, Democratic Republic of Malaysia, Federal Republic of Peru, Republic of Suriname, Republic of Uganda and Special Representative of Federal Republic of Mexico and seven partner organizations: Global Tiger Forum, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Sankala Foundation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Wildlife Institute of India, World Bank, and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) India.

The ISC meeting reviewed the proposed items included in the agenda and recommended them to the Assembly for adoption and ratification. Key items on the agenda included discussions and decisions on administrative arrangements, the Framework Agreement, Rules of Procedure for the Assembly, manual regulations, IBCA Branding, the Work Plan, and the Budget. Each item was deliberated upon comprehensively, ensuring that the decisions were made collaboratively with input from all assembly members.

This meeting marks a pivotal step in the operationalization of IBCA's Mission and Vission to protect and conserve big cat species globally, demonstrating the collaborative effort and commitment of member countries and partner organizations.

Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta, Director (Program) and Dr. Kausik Banerjee, Lead Specialist, International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) represented IBCA at the UNFCCC COP 29 held at Baku, Azerbaijan. IBCA organized one side event on “The Intersection of Conservation and Development: The Role of the International Big Cat Alliance in Safeguarding Wildlife Corridors” on 14-11-2024 at the pavilion of Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in Blue Zone of COP 29.

The key speakers for the session were Mr. Stewart Maginnis from IUCN and Dr. Koustubh Sharma from Global Snow Leopard Ecosystems Protection Program (GSLEP).

The session highlighted the critical importance of wildlife corridors in maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the survival of big cat populations. Experts emphasized the need for integrated landscape management to connect fragmented habitats and facilitate safe movement for big cats. The need for robust policies and legal frameworks to protect wildlife corridors was a major takeaway. Panellists called for stronger collaboration between governments, NGOs, and international organizations to ensure the effective implementation of conservation policies. Innovative financing mechanisms, including carbon credits and public-private partnerships, were discussed as potential solutions to address funding gaps for safeguarding big cat landscapes and called for sustained financing in climate change issues, directly impacting biodiversity conservation.

The session also showcased how potentially IBCA can encourage member nations to work together to minimize the negative effects of linear infrastructure on wildlife corridors by focusing on capacity building and sharing best practices, particularly in developing economies. The IBCA's advocacy is likely to persuade countries to prioritize conservation in their development plans. The session highlights the imperativeness of maintaining delicate balance between conservation and development through the prism of the majestic big cats.

At the 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026), Dr. Amit Mallick, Director (International Cooperation), IBCA, highlighted the strong connection between forests and oceans through a “Ridge-to-Reef” approach.

He noted that protecting Big Cat habitats also helps conserve rivers, coastal ecosystems, and marine biodiversity. He emphasized the need for simple, cooperative, and community-based conservation efforts. His remarks underscored the importance of working together to build a sustainable and resilient Indian Ocean region. He also underscored the vision behind establishing an intergovernmental platform like IBCA and highlighted the pivotal role of Big Cat conservation in addressing global challenges such as climate change and global warming, thereby contributing to a sustainable and resilient future.

He further noted that India will host the IBCA Summit 2026 in June, envisioned as a global platform that will bring together leaders from across countries to advance collaborative efforts for big cat conservation.