New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday said the upcoming International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026 will strengthen international partnerships and promote South-South cooperation in big cat conservation, as India positions itself at the centre of global efforts to protect these iconic species.

Addressing the gathering, Yadav described the summit as a defining moment in conservation diplomacy, noting that it will bring together world leaders, policymakers, scientists and conservationists to deliberate on safeguarding big cats and their ecosystems.

The summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on June 1, 2026, is expected to witness participation from heads of state and government of member and observer countries.

“The summit will strengthen international partnerships, promote South-South cooperation and inspire collective action among big cat range countries,” the minister said, adding that it would align conservation efforts with global biodiversity and climate goals.

Organised under the theme ‘Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem’, the summit will see participation from over 400 stakeholders, including multilateral agencies, financial institutions, corporate leaders and community representatives from across the globe.

Highlighting India’s conservation track record, Yadav pointed to the success of Project Tiger and other initiatives focused on lions, leopards, snow leopards and cheetahs. He said India has demonstrated that conservation and development can go hand in hand, contributing to stronger ecosystems, improved livelihoods and enhanced climate resilience.

The International Big Cat Alliance, launched in 2023 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a first-of-its-kind intergovernmental organisation headquartered in India.

It focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species — lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma — through cooperation, knowledge sharing and mutual support among range countries.

The minister said the newly launched website would serve as the official digital platform for the summit, facilitating outreach, engagement and information dissemination, while also hosting the official logo film capturing the vision and global relevance of the initiative.

Describing the summit logo, Yadav said it symbolises harmony and interconnected ecosystems, featuring the seven big cat species encircled by a lotus-inspired design representing the five elements of nature.

–IANS

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