‘Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger’ – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this program at Mysuru University on Sunday. He also launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA), which is line with the PM’s clarion call from 2019 to form an Alliance of global leaders with the aim of firmly curbing poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia. He said, “Wildlife protection is not a one-country issue but a universal one.”
The International Big Cats Alliance will focus on conserving the world’s seven major big cats and will comprise of countries that are home to these big cats. The aim is for member countries to share their experiences and best practices in conserving the big cats so that fellow countries can act quickly and build the right capacity for conservation. The Prime Minister said, “Together we will save these species from extinction, and create a safe and healthy ecosystem”.
The PM mentioned that the cheetah became extinct in India decades ago. He mentioned the first successful trans-continental translocation of a big cat referring to the cheetahs that have been brought to India from Namibia and South Africa. He recalled that four beautiful cheetah cubs have been born in Kuno National Park a few days ago. He highlighted on the importance of international cooperation for the protection and prosperity of biodiversity.
