Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the “Lion” Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir in Gujarat ahead of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026. The initiative highlights India’s growing leadership in wildlife conservation and its continued efforts to protect the Asiatic lion population.
The programme was organized as a pre-event to the upcoming IBCA Summit and focused on lion conservation, ecological sustainability, and global cooperation for protecting big cat species. The event included conservation presentations, awareness activities, educational films, and participation from students, wildlife experts, and forest officials.
Speaking at the event, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described Gir as a successful example of how wildlife conservation and economic development can coexist together. He emphasized that strong community participation and sustainable development practices have played an important role in protecting the Gir ecosystem and increasing the lion population over the years.
Gir National Park remains the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions in the world and is considered one of India’s biggest wildlife conservation success stories.
The event also built momentum for the first-ever International Big Cat Alliance Summit, which India will host in New Delhi on June 1–2, 2026 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The IBCA is a global initiative focused on the conservation of seven major big cat species — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. The summit is expected to witness participation from 95 countries and more than 400 delegates, with discussions centered on scientific research, conservation funding, biodiversity protection, and international cooperation.
Officials say the Lion Species Spotlight Programme reflects India’s broader commitment to biodiversity conservation and its growing role in global environmental leadership.
