MEA has notified that the privileges and immunities of organization under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 are extended to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The new designation gives the organisation and its officials the protection of premises against dishonest attacks, immunity of members against law suits and freedom of taxation in most cases – the privileges commonly enjoyed as international organisations at Indian soil.
Bhupender Yadav, the Union Environment Minister expressed his satisfaction regarding X, with the wait being over, saying the notification is a historic moment, that reinstates India in the international community of big cats. He pointed out that the privileges and immunities would enable IBCA to operate effectively as an international platform of collaboration, sharing of knowledge and capacity building with the motives of safeguarding big animals globally.
Big cats conservation is essential to the survival of the species as well as its ecosystems which is crucial to our own and the entire planet including the health and well being of other species on this planet.
The IBCA has its headquarters in Delhi and the initial assembly was performed in July 2024 where it made some of the most critical decisions. These involved the adoption of its work plan, guidelines on procedure and the staff and financial regulations manual. These documents will guide the governance, efficiency of operation and international cooperation of IBCA.
As well, the MEA assembly endorsed the results of the first gathering of the International Steering Committee that was held in April 2024. Such an endorsement reflected the IBCA vision that there could be single global approach to big cat conservation based on strategic planning and collective action.
With this extension of the privileges under the UN Act, it has offered IBCA the much needed legal and diplomatic support to work smoothly and significantly boost its status as an international body geared towards protecting tigers, lions, leopards and other big cats and in effect the protection of biodiversity as a whole.
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