With an aim to enhance capacity building, International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in collaboration with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, is organizing the ITEC-Executive Course on Capacity Building for Wildlife and Conservation Practitioners from February 10 to 16, 2025 in Kaziranga, which is sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs. This marks the first time that an Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) course is being held at a national park in India.

 

This initiative brings together 44 officials from 27 countries, underscoring the shared global commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable development. The course will cover a wide range of topics crucial to wildlife and natural heritage management, showcasing India’s achievements in Big Cat Conservation, best management practices, Conservation Planning, Management Effectiveness, with reference to natural heritage sites, Technology aided conservation, Rhino as a flagship species, community engagement etc.

 

 

The inaugural session of the course at Kaziranga was chaired by Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister of Environment & Forest, Act East Policy, and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Assam. Other dignitaries present were Shri Atul Bora,  Minister , Agriculture, Excise, Border Protection and Development, Horticulture etc.,  Shri Sandeep Kumar, IFS Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Head of Forest Force, Government of Assam, Dr Vinay Gupta, IFS Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Chief Wildlife Warden,  Government of Assam, Dr Sonali Ghosh, IFS Field Director Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve and Dr Satya Prakash Yadav, Interim Director General , IBCA.

 

About ITEC

The ITEC program, administered by the Ministry of External Affairs, aims to foster mutual cooperation among developing countries by sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices. The primary objectives of the ITEC courses are to offer training and capacity building in various fields, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of partner nations. Additionally, the program seeks to promote cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral relationships, paving the way for sustainable development and global cooperation.

About Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true gem for biodiversity. It is home to the largest population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses, making it a critical site for wildlife conservation. With its diverse ecosystems, including tigers, elephants, and countless bird species, Kaziranga is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. Kaziranga boasts several wetlands and comprises of two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) recognized for their importance to waterbirds - Kaziranga National Park and Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries. Home to a remarkable population of the "Big Five," it comprises of 2,613 Greater One-horned Rhinoceroses as of 2022 census, 104 Bengal Tigers in 2022, over 1,200 Asian Elephants projected for 2024, 2,565 Wild Water Buffalos in 2022, and 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deer also recorded in 2022.

 

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