India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has called for a comprehensive global alliance for the conservation of wildlife, especially the protection against poaching of ‘big cats’ across the world.
Modi disclosed this at the launch of the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) in Karnataka, India on Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gangadharan Balasubramanian said in Abuja that the inauguration was witnessed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment, Mr Udi Odum, among other dignitaries from across the world.
The envoy noted that the Prime Minister had called on the 97 “range” country alliance (IBCA) of which Nigeria is a founding member, to work more closely to protect the seven species of big cats.
The big cats specie include: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
“The Prime Minister of India on Sunday launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) in India.
“Nigeria is a founding member of IBCA and Mr Udi Odum, Minister of State, Environment, Federal Ministry of Environment, attended the inaugural event at Mysur, India,” the High Commissioner said.
He quoted the Prime Minister as saying: “The presence of big cats has made a positive impact on the lives and ecology of the local people everywhere.
“India does not believe in the conflict between ecology and economy, and gives equal importance to the coexistence of both.
“India is a country where protecting nature is a part of the culture”.
IBCA seeks to bring together countries, conservationists, and experts from around the world to collaborate on conservation efforts for these seven big cat species.
Through IBCA, India hopes to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in conserving these species with other countries that have significant big cat populations.
The alliance also aims to facilitate collaborations between governments, NGOs, and the private sector to create sustainable solutions for conservation.
The launch of IBCA marks a significant step towards the conservation of these animals, as their populations face unprecedented threats from habitat loss and poaching.
By Muhyideen Jimoh
