PM inaugurates Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger programme in Mysuru
Launches International Big Cats Alliance
Declares tiger numbers at 3167
Releases commemorative coin and several publications about tiger conservation
“The success of Project Tiger is not only a moment of pride for India but the
entire world”
“India does not believe in the conflict between ecology and economy, it gives
equal importance to the coexistence of both”
“India is a country where protecting nature is a part of the culture”
“The presence of big cats has made a positive impact on the lives and ecology
of the local people everywhere”
“Wildlife protection is not a one-country issue but a universal one”
“The focus of the International big cat alliance will be on the conservation of
the world's 7 major big cats”
“Better future for humanity is possible only when environment remains safe and
biodiversity continues to expand”
The
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the programme ‘Commemoration of 50
years of Project Tiger’at Mysuru University in Mysuru, Karnataka today. The
Prime Minister also launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA). He
released the publications - ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision For Tiger Conservation’, a
summary report of the 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger
Reserves, declared tiger numbers and released the summary report of All India
Tiger Estimation (5th cycle). He also released a commemorative coin on the
completion of 50 years of Project Tiger.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister
remarked on the prestigious moment of the growing tiger population in India and
paid respects by giving a standing ovation to the tigers. He said that everyone
is witness to the landmark event of Project Tiger completing 50 years today and
remarked that its success is not only a moment of pride for India but the
entire world. The Prime Minister emphasized that India has not only saved the
tiger population from declining but also provided an ecosystem where tigers can
flourish. The Prime Minister expressed happiness that India is home to 75% of
the world’s tiger population in the 75th year of Indian independence. It is
also a coincidence, the Prime Minister continued, that the tiger reserves in
India cover 75,000 square kilometers of land and in the past ten to twelve years,
the tiger population in the country has increased by 75 percent.
Reiterating the question in the minds of
wildlife enthusiasts around the world about the increasing tiger population in
India when compared to other countries where it is either stagnant or in
decline, the Prime Minister said that the answer is hidden among the traditions
and culture of India and its natural urge towards biodiversity and environment.
“India does not believe in the conflict between ecology and economy, and gives
equal importance to the coexistence of both”, the Prime Minister remarked.
Recalling the importance of tigers in the history of India, the Prime Minister
mentioned that graphical representations of tigers were found on the
ten-thousand-year-old rock art in Madhya Pradesh. He also added that the Bharia
community from Central India and Worli community from Maharashtra among others
worship the tiger whereas many communities in India consider the tiger as a
friend and brother. He further added that Maa Durga and Lord Aiyappa ride the
tiger.
Noting India’s unique achievements in wildlife
conservation, the Prime Minister said, “India is a country where protecting
nature is a part of the culture”. He mentioned that India has only 2.4 percent
of the world’s land area but it contributes toward 8 percent to known global
biodiversity. He stated that India is the largest tiger range country in the
world, the largest Asiatic elephant range country in the world with nearly
thirty thousand elephants, and also the largest single-horn rhino country with
a population of nearly three thousand. He further added that India is the only
country in the world to have Asiatic lions and its population has increased
from around 525 in 2015 to around 675 in 2020. He also touched upon India’s leopard
population and stated that it increased by over 60 percent in 4 years.
Referring to the work being done to clean up rivers such as the Ganga, the
Prime Minister highlighted that some aquatic species that were once considered
to be in danger have shown improvement. He credited the people’s participation
and a culture of conservation for these achievements.
“It is important for ecosystems to thrive for
the wildlife to thrive”, the Prime Minister remarked as he noted the work done
in India. He mentioned that the country added 11 wetlands to its list of Ramsar
sites taking the total number of Ramsar Sites to 75. He also noted that India
added over 2200 square kilometers of forest and tree cover by 2021 when
compared to 2019. In the last decade, the Prime Minister said, the number of
Community Reserves increased from 43 to over 100 and the number of National
Parks and sanctuaries around which Eco-sensitive Zones were notified increased
from 9 to 468, that too in a decade.
Recalling his experience in wildlife
conservation as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Prime Minister mentioned
working for the lion population and emphasized that limiting to one
geographical area cannot save a wild animal. He stressed the need to create a
relationship of emotion as well as of economy between the local people and the
animal. The Prime Minister highlighted starting the Wildlife Mitra program in
Gujarat where the incentive of cash reward was offered to monitor activities
like hunting. He also mentioned opening a rehabilitation center for the Lions
of Gir and recruiting women-beat guards and foresters in the Forest Department
in Gir area. He also highlighted the huge ecosystem of tourism and ecotourism
that has now been established in Gir.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the success
of Project Tiger has many dimensions and it has led to an increase in tourist
activity, awareness programs and a reduction in Man-Animal conflicts in Tiger
Reserves. “The presence of big cats has made a positive impact on the lives and
ecology of the local people everywhere”, Shri Modi added.
Highlighting that the cheetah became extinct
in India decades ago, the Prime Minister mentioned the first successful
trans-continental translocation of a big cat referring to the cheetahs that
have been brought to India from Namibia and South Africa. He recalled that 4
beautiful cheetah cubs have been born in Kuno National Park a few days ago. And
said that the cheetah has taken birth on the land of India after becoming
extinct about 75 years ago. He stressed the importance of international
cooperation for the protection and prosperity of biodiversity.
“Wildlife protection is not a one-country
issue but a universal one”, the Prime Minister said, stressing the need for an
International Alliance. He informed that in the year 2019, the Prime Minister
had called for an alliance against poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia
on Global Tiger Day, and remarked that the International Big Cat Alliance is an
extension of this spirit. Noting its benefits, the Prime Minister said that it
will be easy to mobilize financial and technical resources for the entire
ecosystem associated with the big cat while easily implementing the
conservation and protection agenda that has emerged from the experiences of
various countries including India. “The focus of the International big cat
alliance will be on the conservation of the world's 7 major big cats including
tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah”, the Prime
Minister remarked and explained that countries that are home to these cats will
be a part of this alliance. He further elaborated that the member countries
will be able to share their experiences, help their fellow country more
quickly, and lay emphasis on research, training and capacity building. “Together
we will save these species from extinction, and create a safe and healthy
ecosystem”, Shri Modi remarked.
Highlighting the motto of ‘One Earth, One
Family, One Future’ for India’s G20 presidency, the Prime Minister said that it
amplifies the message that a better future for humanity is possible only when
our environment remains safe and our biodiversity continues to expand. “This
responsibility belongs to all of us, it belongs to the whole world”, he
reiterated. Mentioning COP26, the Prime Minister stated that India has set big
and ambitious goals and expressed confidence in mutual cooperation that can
help in achieving every goal of environmental protection.
Directing his address towards foreign guests
and dignitaries that graced the occasion, the Prime Minister urged them to take
something back from the life and traditions of India’s tribal society. He
highlighted regions of Sahyadri and Western Ghats that have been habited by
tribals and said that they have engaged in enriching every biodiversity including
the tiger for centuries. He emphasized that the tradition of tribal society of
the balance of give and take from nature can be adopted here. Concluding the
address, the Prime Minister mentioned the Oscar-winning documentary ‘The
Elephant Whispers’ and said that it reflects our legacy of the wonderful
relationship between Nature and Creature. “The lifestyle of the tribal society
also helps a lot in understanding the vision of Mission LiFE i.e. Lifestyle for
Environment”, the Prime Minister concluded.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and
Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister of State for Environment,
Forest and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey were also present on the
occasion among others.
The Prime Minister launched the International
Big Cats Alliance (IBCA). In July 2019, the Prime Minister called for an
Alliance of Global Leaders to obliterate demand and firmly curb poaching and
illegal wildlife trade in Asia. Taking the message of the Prime Minister forward,
the International Big Cats Alliance is being launched which will focus on the
protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world, viz. Tiger,
Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and Cheetah, with a membership of the
range of countries harbouring these species.