India will host a major international gathering focused on the protection of big cat species next year, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced at the COP30 climate conference in Brazil. The 'Global Big Cats Summit' is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, marking a significant step in global efforts to integrate biodiversity conservation with climate action.
A Natural Form of Climate Action
Speaking at a high-level ministerial segment dedicated to the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA), Minister Yadav framed wildlife conservation as a direct and powerful form of climate action. "What we often call 'wildlife conservation' is, in fact, climate action in its most natural form," he stated. He elaborated that thriving big cat populations are a key indicator of healthy ecosystems, which in turn are crucial for carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
Yadav explained the critical connection: "Where big cats thrive, forests are healthier, grasslands regenerate, water systems function, and carbon is stored efficiently in living landscapes." Conversely, he warned that declines in these apex predators lead to destabilized ecosystems and a loss of natural carbon sinks, weakening the planet's overall ability to withstand climate change.
India's Conservation Success Story
The Minister highlighted India's own achievements as a testament to what is possible. He noted that India is home to several majestic big cats, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Indian Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard.
Detailing the country's successes, Yadav revealed that India has doubled its tiger population ahead of the target timeline and that its Asiatic lion population continues to show robust growth. This has been achieved through a multi-pronged strategy that includes:
- Building one of the world's most comprehensive wildlife databases.
- Conducting nationwide population assessments for multiple big cat species.
- Expanding protected areas and securing wildlife corridors.
- Partnering with local communities to promote conservation and eco-based livelihoods.
Growing Global Alliance for Big Cats
The International Big Cats Alliance, championed by India, is seeing rapidly growing international support. Minister Yadav announced that 17 countries are already formally associated with the IBCA, and more than 30 other nations have expressed a willingness to join the coalition.
India's ambition is clear: to bring all big cat range countries, along with every nation that values biodiversity and climate security, into this global partnership. The upcoming summit in New Delhi will serve as a pivotal platform to strengthen this cooperation, share successful conservation models, and chart a collective course for the future.
The announcement was made on November 18 in Belem, Brazil, where Minister Yadav also delivered India's national statement at COP30, emphasizing the stress unsustainable growth has placed on the planet and underscoring India's commitment to a balanced path of development and environmental stewardship.
