Prospects and Problems of Ecotourism in Nepal A Case Study of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Abstract

Nepal is recognized as one of the important tourist destinations of the whole world.Tourism in protected areas has been a major component of national tourism sector in Nepal. Shivapuri Nagarjun National park due to it's scenic attraction and good biodiversity is envisaged as a potential site for eco-tourism development. The present study was carried out in four study areas which are four major entry points of Sivapuri Nagarjun National park. The first area was Budhanilkantha, where the park's headquarter is also situated. The second study area Sundarijal is the most popular entry points of thepark and lies in the trekking route to Chisapani. The third and fourth study areas are Kakani and Lapsiphedi, which lies in the trekking route to Shivapuri peak and Chisapani and are famous for watching Himalayan ranges and biodiversity. The collected data were both primary and secondary. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a potential area for ecotourism development.Although being potential it is not so famous but it is slowly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Number of tourist visiting Shivapuri has crossed one lakh in the F.Y. 2065/66 whereas it was only 22 thousand one decade ago. In the F.Y. 2064/65 the park authority was able to generate about 30 lakhs revenue from tourism. A number of potentialities for eco-tourism development were identified in all the four study areas, the major ones being natural, cultural and religious aspects. Major problems regarding eco-tourism development were also identified among which information and publicity of the area and initiation of recreational facilities are of urgent necessity. The negative ecological impacts resulting from tourism were found and necessary preventive measures have been recommended. Positive and negative socio-cultural impacts have started to appear but are not in a condition of severity. Economic impacts of tourism are not providing significant economic benefits to the people, but certainly have contributed to generate additional income. It was found that tourism had directly or indirectly helped to support economic condition of about40% of local respondents. The proposed tourism regulations if followed properly can help to reduce the negative impacts to the environment, society, culture and economy. A set of recommendations have been made at the end of study.