New Delhi is set to host the first ever International Big Cat Alliance Summit on June 1 and 2, bringing together senior representatives, conservationists and policymakers from nearly 95 countries to discuss the protection of the world’s seven major big cat species.
The summit, organised under the International Big Cat Alliance, marks the first major global gathering since the alliance was launched in 2023 during celebrations marking 50 years of Project Tiger.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav unveiled the official summit logo featuring the seven big cat species including the lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, snow leopard, jaguar and puma. He described the alliance as a unique international platform aimed at strengthening cooperation among countries that are home to these species.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the summit is expected to witness participation from heads of state, government representatives, scientists, conservation experts, financial institutions, corporate leaders and community groups from around the world.
Headquartered in India, the International Big Cat Alliance has emerged as a treaty based intergovernmental organisation focused on global big cat conservation. The alliance currently includes more than 24 member nations, while several other countries are participating as observers. Membership remains open to all United Nations member states interested in supporting conservation efforts.
Officials said the summit will focus on promoting international cooperation, strengthening transboundary conservation efforts and aligning wildlife protection strategies with global biodiversity and climate goals.
One of the most significant outcomes expected from the event is the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration”, the first global declaration dedicated exclusively to big cat conservation. The declaration is expected to outline shared conservation priorities, encourage coordinated international action and promote habitat based conservation strategies across continents.
The inaugural sessions of the summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam, followed by technical discussions involving government officials, wildlife experts and conservation organisations working across major big cat habitats worldwide.
