Nepal Wildlife Conservation received a major boost in August 2025 as the country officially became a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). This India-led global initiative focuses on protecting seven big cat species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma—through international cooperation, shared resources, and advanced conservation strategies. With Nepal’s diverse ecosystem already home to snow leopards, tigers, and common leopards, this membership marks a historic milestone in strengthening transboundary conservation efforts.
Background of IBCA
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was first launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 April 2023 in Mysuru, Karnataka. The vision was clear: to create a dedicated global platform that unites both range and non-range countries to safeguard big cats and their habitats. By February 2024, the Union Cabinet of India approved the formal establishment of IBCA, with its headquarters set up in India.
The alliance now includes over 90 member nations, reflecting an unprecedented scale of global participation in species-specific conservation. Each member country brings its own expertise, experiences, and challenges to the table, enabling a diverse and inclusive conservation dialogue.
Objectives and Functions of IBCA
IBCA’s core objective is to consolidate knowledge, resources, and expertise for big cat conservation. Its key functions include:
- Creating synergy among member countries: By pooling global resources, IBCA ensures that conservation programs have broader impact.
- Repository of knowledge and expertise: It maintains a common platform where countries can share research, conservation technologies, and best practices.
- Strengthening existing conservation networks: The alliance collaborates with existing intergovernmental and NGO-led platforms to avoid duplication and maximize results.
- Mobilising financial and technical support: IBCA helps in securing funding and expertise for countries that may lack resources.
- Addressing climate change and ecological security: Protecting big cats is tied to broader ecosystem health, making it a crucial part of the climate change mitigation process.
Significance of Nepal’s Membership
Nepal’s decision to join IBCA in 2025 holds immense ecological and symbolic importance. The Himalayan nation is home to three key big cat species—the snow leopard, Bengal tiger, and common leopard. Its forests, grasslands, and mountain ecosystems serve as critical habitats not only for these species but also for countless other forms of biodiversity.
Membership in IBCA enables Nepal to:
- Access global conservation funding and expertise.
- Strengthen its national wildlife conservation programs.
- Collaborate on cross-border initiatives with India, China, and Bhutan for snow leopard and tiger conservation.
- Improve its ecotourism potential by showcasing global recognition for its conservation commitment.
The alliance also congratulated Nepal on this move, noting that the step reflects its commitment to ecological security and sustainable development.
India’s Role in Guiding the Alliance
India has been a global leader in big cat conservation, particularly through its successful Project Tiger, launched in 1973. The program has grown into a benchmark model, showcasing how scientific management, community participation, and strong legislation can save a species from the brink of extinction.
Today, India coordinates the IBCA through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Its conservation models for tigers, lions, leopards, and snow leopards are being studied and adapted by other member nations, including Nepal. India’s leadership provides a foundation of credibility and experience that benefits the alliance.
Nepal Wildlife Conservation: Local and Global Impact
By joining IBCA, Nepal Wildlife Conservation efforts are now tied to a larger international movement. This integration benefits not only big cats but also Nepal’s ecological balance, climate security, and tourism industry.
At the local level:
- Big cat conservation helps protect entire ecosystems.
- Conservation programs provide alternative livelihoods for local communities, reducing dependency on forest exploitation.
- Increased global recognition strengthens Nepal’s eco-tourism appeal, attracting researchers, tourists, and wildlife enthusiasts.
At the global level:
- Nepal’s membership strengthens transboundary conservation corridors critical for species like tigers and snow leopards that roam across borders.
- The step reflects global solidarity at a time when climate change, poaching, and habitat fragmentation threaten wildlife worldwide.
Challenges Ahead in Nepal Wildlife Conservation
While the move is historic, challenges remain for Nepal:
- Human-wildlife conflict: Tigers and leopards often venture near human settlements, creating tension with local communities.
- Climate change: Melting glaciers and habitat loss threaten the snow leopard in the Himalayas.
- Poaching and illegal trade: Despite strong laws, wildlife trafficking continues to pose risks.
- Resource limitations: Nepal will require consistent funding, technology, and global cooperation to meet conservation targets.
The IBCA framework, however, offers solutions by mobilising financial resources, technology, and international cooperation to overcome these obstacles.
Global Significance
The International Big Cat Alliance is more than just about wildlife; it is about ensuring ecological security for future generations. Big cats are apex predators and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Their survival indicates the health of entire ecosystems. By halting their decline, the alliance indirectly contributes to global efforts against climate change and biodiversity loss.
Conclusion
Nepal’s entry into the International Big Cat Alliance is a landmark moment for Nepal Wildlife Conservation and global biodiversity protection. It represents a step towards stronger international collaboration, resource sharing, and collective responsibility in safeguarding big cats. As Nepal strengthens its commitment, the world moves closer to ensuring that iconic species like the snow leopard and tiger not only survive but thrive for generations to come.
