Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme at Gir National Park in Sasan Gir, Gujarat. The event was organised as part of the pre-summit activities leading up to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026. The programme focused on highlighting India’s successful conservation efforts for the Asiatic lion and strengthening international cooperation for the protection of big cats across the world.

Addressing the gathering, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” for the formation of the IBCA. He said the initiative had increased global awareness regarding big cat conservation. Patel also underlined the importance of local communities in protecting the Asiatic lion population in the Gir region. According to him, the species has now become deeply connected with the cultural identity of the area.

“Gir stands as a living example of how economic progress can go hand in hand with wildlife conservation through an ecological approach,” Patel said.

He also spoke about conservation efforts being carried out in Gujarat, including the development of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as an alternative habitat for the natural dispersal of Asiatic lions. The move is aimed at reducing pressure on the Gir ecosystem and ensuring the long-term survival of the species.

Bhupender Yadav announced that India will host the first-ever IBCA Summit 2026 in New Delhi on June 1 and 2 under the chairmanship of PM Modi. The summit will be organised under the theme “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem”. It will bring together Heads of State, ministers, policymakers, scientists, conservation experts, multilateral agencies, financial institutions, and more than 400 representatives from 95 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Yadav said the International Big Cat Alliance works as a global coalition focused on the conservation of seven major big cat species. These include the lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. He said the alliance promotes international cooperation, scientific research, and joint conservation efforts among countries.

Describing Sasan Gir as a symbol of India’s biodiversity and commitment towards conservation, Yadav said the Asiatic lion reflects the pride and courage of the country. “The Gir lion is not only the identity of Gujarat but also a symbol of India’s pride and natural heritage,” he said.

The Environment Minister highlighted several initiatives taken under the leadership of PM Modi for lion conservation. These include the Asiatic Lion Population Estimation initiative, the establishment of the National Wildlife Referral Centre in Junagadh, and projects aimed at expanding habitats in the Gir landscape.

According to Yadav, the spotlight programme was organised to present India’s lion conservation model before the global community. It also aimed to encourage cooperation among lion range countries and discuss challenges such as habitat pressure, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict.

The minister pointed out that lion populations across the world have declined by more than 30 per cent because of habitat loss and degradation. He said the Asiatic lion currently survives as a single wild population in India’s Gir ecosystem, making conservation efforts even more important.

He further stated that India has recorded a significant increase in lion numbers in the Greater Gir Landscape over the past few years. “The lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape has risen to an estimated 891 individuals in 2025, marking a 32 per cent increase compared to 2020,” Yadav said.

Yadav also noted that the Asiatic lion receives the highest level of legal protection under Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The minister highlighted the Centre’s Project Lion initiative launched in 2020. The project focuses on long-term conservation through habitat restoration, ecological resilience, and better population management. The government believes these measures will help secure the future of Asiatic lions in India.

The event was attended virtually by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Gujarat Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, Minister of State for Forests Pravin Mali, senior officials from the Union and state governments, representatives of the IBCA, conservation experts, and students were also present during the programme.

During the event, dignitaries launched a ‘Lion Conservation Brochure’. The programme also showcased educational films and presentations related to big cat conservation for participants and students.