International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

The Government of India has issued a notification granting privileges and immunities to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), its representatives, and officials. This action was taken under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, and is a significant step towards establishing the IBCA as an effective global conservation body.

Purpose and Legal Status

• Objective: The IBCA was launched to promote the conservation of seven major big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
• Headquarters: The alliance, an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has its headquarters in India. The Union Cabinet approved its establishment in February 2024, and it officially became a treaty-based intergovernmental organization and a legal entity in January 2025.
• Legal Protections: The privileges and immunities granted are similar to those enjoyed by UN agencies. They provide the IBCA and its personnel with protections such as inviolability of premises, immunity from certain legal processes, and tax exemptions. This legal framework is essential for the alliance to operate effectively as a global platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Membership and Operations

As of early 2025, the IBCA has five official member countries that have ratified the Framework Agreement: India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia. Overall, 27 countries have consented to join the alliance, with membership open to all UN member states, including both “range countries” (where big cats are found) and “non-range countries” interested in conservation.