Home / Environment / India to Host Global Big Cat Summit
India to Host Global Big Cat Summit
1 Feb
Summary
- India will host the first Big Cat Summit for range countries this year.
- Turtle and birdwatching trails will be established in several Indian states.
- The International Big Cat Alliance headquarters will be located in India.
India will host the first-ever Big Cat Summit, convening leaders from 95 range countries to bolster conservation strategies for endangered big cat species. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this initiative, highlighting India's commitment to wildlife protection. The summit aims to foster international cooperation on safeguarding species such as tigers, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Beyond the summit, India is expanding its conservation efforts with new wildlife trails. Turtle nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala will be protected by dedicated 'turtle trails'. Additionally, birdwatching and conservation trails will be established along Pulicat Lake, spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
These efforts build upon India's leadership in big cat conservation. The nation is set to host the headquarters of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global organization launched in April 2023 to protect big cats worldwide. The IBCA, approved by the Union Cabinet in February 2024, welcomes membership from all United Nations member states, supporting its mission.
