International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen cooperation in landscape conservation and nature-positive financing.
The MoU was highlighted during a two-day international workshop in New Delhi on “Tiger Landscapes: Conservation, Bioeconomy and Ecotourism as Pillars for Livelihood and Income Generation.” The workshop was jointly organised by IBCA, ADB and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Key Focus of Workshop
- The discussions focused on treating tiger landscapes as natural capital and recognising the economic value of ecosystem services.
- The workshop explored how, Conservation, Ecotourism and Bioeconomy can generate sustainable livelihoods and local incomes while strengthening long-term ecological security.
- It also provided a platform for countries and organisations to share conservation experiences, strengthen regional and international cooperation and develop innovative approaches to landscape conservation.
- 2026 marks 40 years of ADB’s partnership with India. India is also sharing its experience in ecological conservation and sustainable socio-economic development with big-cat range countries.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
The International Big Cat Alliance is a treaty-based global organisation launched by India in April 2023 to conserve seven principal big-cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and Cheetah.
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Promotes protection and restoration of critical habitats and transboundary wildlife corridors.
- Facilitates sharing of financial, technical and scientific resources among members.
- Supports joint efforts against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
- India provided initial seed funding of ₹150 crore for five years (2023–24 to 2028–29).
- IBCA brings together big-cat range countries and other interested countries and international agencies to strengthen habitat conservation and climate resilience.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 2006 to provide legal backing and oversight for Project Tiger.
- It was created under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, following its amendment in 2006.
- Chairperson: Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The Asian Development Bank is a regional multilateral development bank working to reduce poverty and promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific.
- Established: 19 December 1966
- Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
- President: Masato Kanda, since 24 February 2025
- Members: 68 countries (49 regional and 19 non-regional)
- Major shareholders: Japan, United States, China, India and Australia