IBCA Summit in Delhi rescheduled
New Delhi, May 21
The first International Big Cat Alliance Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on June 1, has been rescheduled to a later date, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said on Thursday.
The first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was being organised in conjunction with the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), as several African countries host big cats and are important partners in global efforts towards conservation, ecological sustainability, and biodiversity protection.
"Following the decision taken in consultation with the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission to convene the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit at a later date, it has been decided that, to ensure broad and active participation from all range countries, including African countries, the first IBCA Summit too will be convened at a later date," the Ministry said.
New dates for the Summit will be announced in due course following consultations with participating countries and stakeholders, it added.
"India remains firmly committed to working with all partners to advance the shared objectives of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development," noted the Ministry.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav launched the website and logo for the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026 in New Delhi on May 6.
According to the Ministry, the Summit, guided by the theme 'Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem', would bring together over 400 conservationists, policymakers, scientists, multilateral agencies, financial institutions, corporate leaders, and community representatives from across the globe.
The Minister informed that a key outcome of the Summit would be the adoption of the first-ever global declaration on big cat conservation, titled the 'Delhi Declaration', which will articulate shared priorities, strengthen transboundary cooperation, and promote a landscape-based approach for conserving big cats and their habitats.
The IBCA, an intergovernmental international organisation headquartered in India, has been established for the conservation of seven big cats - Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I appreciate the intent behind IBCA but rescheduling this close to the original date feels a bit last minute. Hope they coordinate better with African Union next time. Still, glad India is taking a lead on this global issue. Save the big cats!
Interesting to see India positioning itself as a leader in big cat conservation. The seven species covered are impressive. As someone from Canada, I wonder if there will be any role for countries like Canada with our puma populations? Hope the summit happens soon.
The rescheduling is understandable given the need for full African participation. India's cheetah reintroduction project has been challenging but shows commitment. Let's hope the Delhi Declaration isn't just another paper exercise - we need real funding for habitat protection and anti-poaching. 🐆
From a wildlife conservation perspective, this is a smart move. Coordinating with Africa Forum Summit ensures maximum participation from range countries. The seven species approach is comprehensive - from jaguars in South America to snow leopards in the Himalayas. Looking forward to the rescheduled dates!
As an Indian conservation enthusiast, I'm excited about this initiative. But I hope the government also focuses on domestic issues like human-wildlife conflict. Our farmers and villagers living near forests face real challenges. Conservation must include their voices too. Still, the IBCA concept is ambitious and necessary. 🙏
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