Livelihood Impact of Ecotourism (The Case of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Kathmandu)

Abstract

The study entitled Livelihood Impact of Ecotourism: The Case of ShivapuriNagarjun National Park, Kathmandu tried to analyze social, cultural and economic opportunities brought in the wake of ecotourism development in the study area.. Altogether 134 respondents took part in the survey. The field findings have been further explained through the theory of sustainable development approach and ecotourism. The study area comprises economically active working population in large number. Likewise, the participation of the female in tourism business is quite impressing. Similarly, the settlement comprises more number of ethnic residents like Tamang and newar community. These indigenous groups have their own culture, traditions and local farm productions to impress the new people coming to the area as tourists. Likewise, the livelihood impact of the tourism was clearly visible in the region. The increased tourism activities have reduced the number of people going to abroad for working. They have begun some innovative ideas in the tourism sector at their place. Cent percent people engaged in the enterprises are at least literate, however, the involvement of the high school passed graduates is very less in the sector.. They seem aware about the socio-economical, environmental and cultural impacts of the tourism industry and have expectations from the local government to lead on minimizing the possible hazards, which could hamper their livelihood activities in the near future. Regarding the relationship between the socio-demographic characters and the livelihood impact of the tourism, it was revealed that is no relationship between the caste / ethnicity and choosing the family occupation. People belonging to any caste/group have got engaged in tourism enterprises. Interestingly, the respondents, whose academic qualification is less than 10 are more conscious on this matter. They want to please the tourists by the locally grown agriculture, dairy products and ethnic food, costumes and dresses. The study has high implications in the sector of improving the lives of the community people residing in the buffer zones of the national parks through tourism business. Further researches covering the larger number of sample and more diverse area of eco-tourism can be conducted to promote the tourism industry in Nepal. The local government development priorities should encompass the eco-tourism and community benefit systems for promoting the sustainable development.