Delhi Declaration To Highlight Sundarbans’ Climate Challenges And Tiger Conservation

India is set to host the first International Big Cat Alliance Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together heads of state, ministers, conservation experts, and international organisations. The summit will culminate in the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Big Cat Conservation, a landmark global framework for protecting seven major big cat species. 

Sundarbans In Focus

The Sundarbans, home to the iconic Royal Bengal tiger, faces serious challenges from rising sea levels, cyclones, salinity intrusion, and habitat degradation. Minister Yadav stressed that the region’s ecological future is inseparable from global climate action. He also identified responsible ecotourism as a livelihood option with “significant potential,” while experts cautioned against over-tourism that could harm the fragile ecosystem. 

Summit Agenda

• Dates: June 1–2, 2026
• Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• Focus species: Tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma

Sessions:

• Management principles and emerging challenges in big cat conservation
• Sustainable financing mechanisms
• Species-specific technical sessions on June 2
• Outcome: Adoption of the Delhi Declaration, committing to habitat protection, ecological connectivity, transboundary cooperation, and integration of conservation into sustainable development planning. 

Strategic Importance For India

India’s leadership in conservation, showcased through Project Tiger and initiatives for lions, leopards, snow leopards, and cheetahs, will be highlighted. The IBCA, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, now includes 25 member countries and five observer nations, with Saudi Arabia set to join as the 26th member. 

Conservation Insights

•⁠  ⁠Sundarbans to feature at IBCA Summit for tiger habitat and climate resilience

•⁠  ⁠Summit scheduled June 1–2, 2026, in New Delhi

•⁠  ⁠Delhi Declaration to be adopted as first global big cat conservation framework

•⁠  ⁠Focus on seven big cat species and their ecosystems

•⁠  ⁠India’s Project Tiger and other initiatives to be showcased as models

•⁠  ⁠Ecotourism identified as livelihood option, but experts warn against over-tourism

•⁠  ⁠25 member countries and 5 observers already part of IBCA, Saudi Arabia joining soon

Sources: Down To Earth, Telegraph India, Rediff Money, Times Now, Deccan Chronicle, The New Indian Express, Press Information Bureau