Syllabus:

GS3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment 

Context: Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). 

More on the News 

• Nepal succeeded in almost tripling its tiger population to 355 in 2022 from a mere 121 in 2009.

• With snow leopards, tigers and common leopards in its landscape, Nepal’s membership will strengthen global collaboration for big cat conservation. 

• Additionally, the Indian government has extended privileges and immunities, under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and its officials.  

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) 

• Launch: The IBCA was launched in April 2023 by the Prime Minister of India during the 50th anniversary of the Project Tiger. 

• About: IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition comprising 95 big cat range countries, non-range countries with an interest in big cat conservation, conservation partners, scientific organizations engaged in big cat research, as well as business groups and corporates committed to supporting big cat conservation efforts. 

• Focus Species: It was launched for the global conservation of seven big cats, namely: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma. 

• India is home to five of the seven big cats (except Puma and Jaguar)

• Objective: 

• Foster international cooperation for the conservation of seven big cat species.
• Enhance knowledge exchange on big cat threats and conservation strategies.
• Strengthen capacity of range countries for effective big cat management.
• Raise global awareness and promote outreach activities about the importance of the seven big cats.
• Mobilize resources and explore synergy with International Bodies associated with conservation.

• Key Points:

• IBCA adopted unified approach, backed by financial and technical support, aims to bolster the conservation agenda, halt the decline in big cat populations, and reverse current trends. 
• IBCA seeks to lead by example, bringing together a range of countries and other stakeholders onto a common platform to champion the cause of big cat conservation on a global scale.

• The first IBCA Assembly, was held in New Delhi in 2025, which approved the work plan, rules of procedure, and staff and financial regulations, forming the foundation for effective governance and operations. 

United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947

• It is an Indian Act that gives effect to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations

• Act provides a legal framework for the UN and other notified international organisations to operate in India.

• Grants specific rights and protections such as immunity from legal processes, inviolability of premises, exemption from taxes and duties, and legal capacity to the organisation, its representatives, and officials.

Sources:

The Hindu
Hindustan Times
DD News
Tribuneindia