In a significant move for wildlife conservation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) aimed at protecting seven major species of big cats across the globe. Drawing from the successful lessons of Project Tiger, which has contributed to India being home to 70 percent of the world's tigers, the prime minister emphasized India's commitment to safeguarding these iconic species.

"We are also working on Project Lion and Project Dolphin," PM Modi said while addressing the inaugural session of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting via video conferencing.

Besides, the prime minister called on the G20 to "work constructively to work on an effective international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution".

He stated the importance of "responsible use and management of ocean resources". "I look forward to the adoption of G20 high-level principles for sustainable and resilient blue and ocean-based economy," he added.

PM Modi highlighted another significant initiative, Mission Amrit Sarovar, during his address. This unique water conservation project has achieved remarkable results in a short span of approximately one year, with the development of 63,000 waterbodies. Notably, the success of this mission was attributed to the active involvement and participation of local communities in its implementation.

In a momentous event held in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as part of the commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger. This ambitious initiative focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species, including the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

The IBCA's mission extends to 97 range countries, encompassing the natural habitats of these magnificent creatures. The government expressed its commitment to bolstering global cooperation and collaborative efforts to safeguard these wild denizens, particularly the big cats. By working together, the alliance seeks to secure crucial natural ecosystems, contribute to climate change adaptation, ensure water and food security for millions, and provide sustainable livelihoods to forest communities.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, emphasized the significance of conserving big cats and their habitats, highlighting the potential positive impact on both the environment and human populations. India's dedication to preserving big cat populations extends not only within its borders but also globally. The country actively joins efforts to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade, further solidifying its commitment to wildlife conservation.

Under Project Cheetah, a groundbreaking intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project, PM Modi had released wild Cheetahs, which were once extinct from India, into the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on September 17, 2022. The Cheetahs, brought from Namibia, represented a significant step towards reintroducing the species back into their natural habitat. Subsequently, on February 18, Bhupender Yadav released 12 more Cheetahs from South Africa into the same park, increasing the total number of Cheetahs in Kuno National Park to 20. However, it is important to note that eight of these 20 Cheetahs have unfortunately passed away since their reintroduction.

Despite the challenges, India continues to press forward with its commitment to wildlife conservation and global cooperation, working to ensure the survival and thriving of these majestic big cats and their ecosystems.

Image source: Mint