The Global Tiger Forum (GTF) is an intergovernmental and international organization created with members from willing countries to launch a global campaign, adopt a unified strategy, and promote appropriate programs and controls to protect the world's remaining six subspecies of tigers, which are spread across 14 countries with tiger ranges. They include the Bengal tiger, Amur tiger, South China tiger, Sumatran tiger, Indochinese tiger, and Malayan tiger. This article will explain to you about the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

GTF - Overview

• This Global Tiger Forum was founded in 1994 and is funded by member governments and non-governmental organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
• Among others, it was created in accordance with suggestions made at the International Symposium on Tiger Conservation in 1993.
• This body convenes every three years and contributes to the development of norms and laws for its member nations.
• These activities are aimed at conserving biodiversity, safeguarding tiger habitats, and promoting the cross-border movement of tigers between range countries.
• In order to understand the status of the tiger habitat in high altitudes, GTF and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature have also conducted a situation analysis study, which is funded by the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Program (ITHCP) of the KfW (German Development Bank) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

GTF - Goal & Objectives

Goal

To highlight the rationale for Tiger preservation, provide leadership, and utilize a common approach throughout the world in order to safeguard the survival of the Tiger, its prey and its habitat.

Objectives

• To promote international initiatives aimed at saving the tiger, its prey, and its habitat.
• To increase the number of safe habitats for tigers.
• To promote thorough legislative protections for the conservation of tigers.
• To supply resources for infrastructure and tiger conservation.
• To encourage research and education.
• To request assistance from authorities, non-governmental groups, and people.
• To encourage bilateral collaboration.
• To establish a trust fund to make it possible to carry out the agreed-upon programs.
• To call on range countries to create and revise their national action plans for tiger conservation.
• To urge nations to join pertinent accords for the protection and eradication of illegal trade.

GTF - Structure

GTF - Members

• The Global Tiger Forum (GTF), which was founded in 1994, is still the only intergovernmental organization in the world devoted to tiger conservation.
• Seven nations that are within the range of tigers are members of the GTF: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam.
• The UK government has formally joined the GTF as a non-tiger range nation, and the Government of Canada may do the same.
• Members of international NGOs include TRAFFIC, IFAW, and WWF. Members also include a number of national NGOs from India and Nepal.

GTF - Role & Importance

• The only inter-governmental international body mandated specifically for tiger conservation is already in place.
• Membership includes seven Tiger range countries as well as the United Kingdom.
• It is experienced in implementing transboundary initiatives and building capacity.
• Can speak with a unified voice in international forums and conventions to promote tiger conservation.
• Assistance can play an important role in the immediate and long-term implementation of relevant strategies identified in the GTRP by utilizing already existing modules and mechanisms (e.g. Transboundary initiatives).
• Recent Publications include: (1) Indo-Nepal Joint Monitoring Report (2) Action Tiger 3rd Edition (3) Global Tiger Atlas (4) Tiger Bibliography
• Current Memorandums of Understanding include: (1) IUCN (2) Clemson University, USA (3) Virginia Tech Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability, Arlington, USA (4) Wildlife Institute of India (5) Wildlife Conservation Trust

Project Tiger

• The 'Project Tiger' is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
• It has put the endangered tiger on an assured path of recovery by saving it from extinction, as revealed by the recent findings of the All India tiger estimation using the refined methodology.
• The Indira Gandhi government launched Project Tiger in 1973 from the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.
• It establishes a legal framework for the protection of tiger reserves and strengthens institutional safeguards for ecologically sensitive areas and endangered species.
• Project Tiger was made a statutory authority (NTCA) by inserting enabling provisions into the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 via an amendment, the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act of 2006.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Project Tiger

National Tiger Conservation Authority

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change established under the enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, to strengthen tiger conservation in accordance with the powers and functions delegated to it by the Act.
• It is the apex body that administers ‘Project Tiger.
• The NTCA was established in 2005 in response to the Tiger Task Force's recommendations.
• The NTCA has been carrying out its mandate under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, by maintaining oversight through advisories/normative guidelines based on tiger status assessments, ongoing conservation initiatives, and recommendations of specially constituted Committees.
• The NTCA also conducts a country-level assessment of the status of tigers, co-predators, prey, and habitat once every four years, using the Tiger Task Force-approved methodology.

*To know more about the topic, click this link National Tiger Conservation Authority

Global Tiger Initiative

To save wild tigers from extinction, governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector have formed an alliance together.

Goals

• To assist governments in building the capacity to respond effectively to the transnational challenge of illegal wildlife trade and to manage tiger landscapes scientifically in the face of mounting and diverse threats;
• To reduce international demand for tiger parts and other wildlife, which has contributed to dramatic declines in tiger populations;
• Creating mechanisms to protect habitats from development by planning "smart, green" infrastructure and sensitive industrial development;
• To develop innovative and long-term funding mechanisms for tiger landscapes, including protected areas;
• To create strong local constituencies for tiger conservation by creating economic incentives and alternative livelihoods for local people;
• To raise awareness among governments, international aid organizations, and the general public that tiger habitats are high-value diverse ecosystems with the potential to provide enormous benefits-both tangible and intangible.

Conclusion

In order to coordinate the efforts of governments, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, donors, foundations, scientists, and international tiger experts to recover wild tigers across their range, the GTF clearly has the potential to become an effective umbrella organization. The GTF has made significant contributions in the past in a number of areas, including by compiling the various national action plans for tigers of its members and by offering professional training and capacity building that is valued by a range of state wildlife officials.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the main objective of the Global Tiger Forum (GTF)?

A) To promote global tourism
B) To conserve the habitats of tigers and increase their population
C) To regulate wildlife trade
D) To monitor wildlife populations globally

2. What does the 'Tx2' initiative aim to achieve?

A) To establish new tiger reserves
B) To double the global tiger population by 2022
C) To eliminate poaching of tigers
D) To increase funding for tiger conservation

3. Which of the following is a key function of the Global Tiger Forum?

A) Conducting tiger tourism
B) Facilitating international cooperation for tiger conservation
C) Promoting sustainable forestry practices
D) Regulating wildlife sanctuaries

4. When was the Global Tiger Forum established?

A) 1990
B) 1993
C) 2000
D) 2010

5. Which of the following countries is a key participant in the Global Tiger Forum?

A) Canada
B) Brazil
C) India
D) South Africa

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of the Global Tiger Forum in promoting tiger conservation. How does it help in the global effort to save tigers from extinction?

Answer: The Global Tiger Forum plays a pivotal role in tiger conservation by bringing together tiger-range countries and stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, and international organizations to coordinate efforts aimed at protecting tiger populations. Through initiatives like the 'Tx2' campaign, the GTF has contributed to global efforts to double the tiger population. The forum fosters international cooperation, facilitates funding for conservation projects, and provides technical support to countries to implement effective conservation strategies. Its role is critical in ensuring the survival of tigers and the protection of their habitats, especially in countries with high levels of poaching and deforestation.

Q2: What are the major challenges faced by the Global Tiger Forum in its conservation efforts? How can these challenges be addressed?

Answer: Some of the major challenges faced by the Global Tiger Forum include:

• Poaching: Despite international agreements, poaching remains a significant threat to tiger populations. Strengthening anti-poaching laws and increasing enforcement can help mitigate this threat.
• Habitat loss: Deforestation and human encroachment continue to destroy tiger habitats. Governments must implement strict forest protection laws and promote sustainable land use practices.
• Funding: Insufficient funding for large-scale conservation projects is another challenge. The GTF must continue to mobilize financial resources from both public and private sectors to support tiger conservation.

Addressing these challenges requires continued international cooperation, stricter law enforcement, and greater investments in tiger conservation.

Q3: How does the Tx2 initiative align with India’s tiger conservation goals? Discuss the progress made under this initiative in India.

Answer: The Tx2 initiative, which aims to double the global tiger population by 2022, aligns with India’s tiger conservation goals, as India is home to over 70% of the world's wild tiger population. India has made significant progress under the Tx2 initiative, with a notable increase in the tiger population due to enhanced protection measures, habitat restoration, and community involvement. The government of India has implemented various tiger conservation programs, such as Project Tiger, which has played a crucial role in the success of the Tx2 initiative in India. Continued efforts in these areas are essential to ensuring the long-term survival of tigers in the country.

Previous Year Questions on Tiger Conservation and Global Tiger Forum

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following is associated with the Global Tiger Forum?

A) It is an international organization focused on tiger conservation
B) It monitors wildlife populations globally
C) It regulates tiger reserves in India
D) It sponsors global environmental policies

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The Global Tiger Forum is an international organization dedicated to the conservation of tigers and their habitats. It works to coordinate efforts to protect and increase the tiger population.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Assess the role of the Global Tiger Forum in the context of global tiger conservation efforts. How does India contribute to this initiative?"

Answer: The Global Tiger Forum plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to conserve tigers, focusing on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and research. India, as the home of the majority of the world’s tiger population, is central to this initiative. India has made remarkable strides in increasing its tiger population through the Project Tiger initiative, which complements the goals of the Tx2 initiative. By strengthening conservation policies, promoting community involvement, and securing funding for tiger protection, India has become a leader in the global effort to conserve tigers.