India Launches International Big Cat Alliance for Conservation, Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Target

New Delhi, July 28, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday the launch of the international Big Cat Alliance, aimed at conserving seven big cat species found on Earth. The initiative draws on India’s success with Project Tiger, which has resulted in 70% of the world’s tigers being found in the country.

PM Modi also highlighted other ongoing projects such as Project Lion and Project Dolphin, emphasizing India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and protection.

Addressing the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting via video conferencing, PM Modi underscored India’s significant strides in renewable energy. India stands among the top five countries globally in terms of installed renewable energy capacity.

The nation has set an ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and continues to collaborate with international partners through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, CDRI, and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition.

The establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance follows PM Modi’s call in 2019 to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia on Global Tiger Day. The new alliance will mobilize financial and technical resources to support the entire ecosystem linked to big cats, ensuring their conservation and protection.

In a recent discovery by the Bihar Forest Department, the first breeding site of endangered Indian skimmers, also known as Indian scissors bill (Rynchops albicollis) birds, was found in the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS) in Bhagalpur district.

The Indian skimmer is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and their population worldwide is estimated to be around 2,450 to 2,900 mature individuals.

India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and renewable energy further solidifies its position as a leader in environmental sustainability. The launch of the Big Cat Alliance and the efforts to protect endangered species like the Indian skimmer reflect the nation’s proactive approach towards preserving biodiversity for future generations.