Potentiality and Challenges of Eco-Tourism (A Case Study of Jagdispur Reservoir Area, Kapilvastu, Nepal)

Abstract

Ecotourism is very burning issue and one of the fastest growing sectors in current world tourism industry. Especially in many developing countries like Nepal are trying to use ecotourism as a tool to achieve sustainable development. The paper mainly considers hidden potentiality of ecotourism in Kapilvastu where tourism is one of the fastest expanding industries which has been leaving various positive aswell as negative impacts in different areas. The paper also attempt to give critical analysis of ecotourism impacts and challenges and point out some recommendations for better practice of ecotourism. The study tries to answer the following question: Is ecotourism opportunity or challenge in Nepal? How is ecotourism practiced in the country? Can ecotourism be a beneficial tool for sustainable development of the country? How can ecotourism be very effective means of development and conservation? The study has employed both primary and secondary sources for data collection.Under the primary source, the study has been based on questionnaire, interview and direct observation of the project site and affected areas. Likewise, different reports and official publications regarding tourism have been taken into consideration for the statistical data. This study has dug out some important components, characteristics and status of tourism in Jagdishpur Reservoir area which is helpful to understand potentiality and challenges of ecotourism, the research objectives. This study has showed that Jagdishpur is very rich in terms of religious places, historical monuments and reservoir is popular for bird viewing and boating. So, the most preferred attraction of this site is bird viewing, boating, historical monuments like Asoka pillar, local Tharu culture and other religious places. Similarly main challenges for eco-tourism development in Jagdishpur are poor infrastructure facilities, conservation level of local assets, accommodation and awareness level of local people. The exposer level of tourism in Jagdishpur is also a challenge. Most of the visitor (70%of them) found to be recommended by their friends or relatives. Whereas, 20% of vii them got information from print media and audio visual media provided information to only 10% of total visitor. To sum up,besides various challenges and problems in the fields of ecotourism, it can be a great opportunity for Jagdishpur if all tourism resources are handled and utilized responsibly and it can be phenomenal instrument to achieve real sustainable development of the study area by promoting different aspects and sectors–economy, environment, culture, and conservation procedure.