Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday launched the ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme at Gir National Park in Sasan Gir, Gujarat. The event was organised as part of the preparations for the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026.
Speaking at the programme, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” helped in the creation of IBCA and increased global attention towards big cat conservation.
Patel said local communities have played a major role in protecting Asiatic lions and added that lions are now closely connected with the culture and identity of the Gir region. He also said Gir National Park is a good example of how wildlife conservation and economic development can grow together.
The minister spoke about conservation efforts such as developing Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as another habitat for Asiatic lions.
Yadav announced that India will host the first IBCA Summit in New Delhi on June 1 and 2, 2026, under the leadership of PM Modi. The summit will focus on the theme “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem” and will bring together leaders, scientists, policymakers, and wildlife experts from around 95 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
He said the IBCA works for the protection of seven big cat species: lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma through international cooperation and scientific support.
Calling Sasan Gir a symbol of India’s biodiversity, Yadav said the Asiatic lion represents the country’s pride and natural heritage. He also mentioned several projects started under PM Modi’s leadership, including lion population surveys, habitat expansion, and the National Wildlife Referral Centre in Junagadh.
Yadav said the spotlight programme aims to present India’s successful lion conservation model to the world and encourage cooperation among countries where lions are found. Discussions also focused on challenges like climate change, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
The minister said lion populations around the world have declined by over 30 percent because of habitat destruction. However, India has seen strong growth in the lion population in the Greater Gir region.
According to Yadav, the estimated lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape reached 891 in 2025, showing a 32 percent rise compared to 2020.
He also highlighted Project Lion, launched in 2020 by the Central Government, which focuses on habitat restoration, ecological balance, and long-term lion conservation.
The event was attended virtually by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel along with Gujarat Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, Minister of State for Forests Pravin Mali, senior government officials, IBCA representatives, students, and wildlife experts.
During the programme, officials released a ‘Lion Conservation Brochure’. Students and guests also watched educational films and presentations focused on the conservation of lions and other big cats.