India on Wednesday held the ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir in Gujarat ahead of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026.

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the event, while Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended virtually. The programme was organised as part of pre-summit events before the IBCA Summit in New Delhi on June 1 and 2, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Yadav said representatives from around 95 countries are expected to participate in the summit, including policymakers, scientists and conservation officials. He said the Gir landscape is the only wild habitat of the Asiatic lions.

The minister said lion populations globally have declined by more than 30 per cent due to habitat loss and degradation. He added that conservation measures in Gujarat have contributed to growth in the Asiatic lion population.

According to government estimates, the lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape reached 891 in 2025, compared to 674 in 2020. Officials said monitoring, habitat protection and management measures supported the increase.

Yadav said ‘Project Lion’, launched in 2020, focuses on habitat restoration, ecological management and population conservation. He also referred to lion population estimation exercises and the development of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary for lion dispersal.

During the programme, Patel said local communities have been involved in conservation activities in the Gir region. He said wildlife conservation and economic activity can continue together through ecological planning.

The event also included the release of a ‘Lion Conservation Brochure’. Educational films on big cat conservation were screened for students and other attendees.