India Extends Privileges and Immunities to IBCA

On 22nd August 2025, Union Environment Minister announced that the Government of India has extended privileges and immunities to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and its officials under the United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947. The move strengthens IBCA’s role as a global platform for big cat conservation.

Key Points

Gazette Notification: Issued on 8th August 2025 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, formalising the extension of privileges and immunities to IBCA under Section 3 of the Act.
Empowerment: With these provisions, IBCA gains the legal and operational framework to effectively foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in global big cat conservation.
IBCA Response: The Alliance thanked the Government of India, noting that the privileges empower it to function effectively as a global intergovernmental conservation platform.
Legal Provision: The notification applies select provisions of Articles I, II, III, V, and VI of the UN Act’s Schedule to IBCA, its representatives, and officials.