Study of Ecotourism Impacts and Conservation in Dhunche-Gosaikunda Trek RouteofLangtang National Park

Abstract

Tourism plays an important role in the economy of many developing countries and being a developing country it also has impact on Nepalese economy. After1953, door of Nepal was opened for international tourists. Since then for a long period the tourism activities were concentrated only to the remote areas and for trekking and mountaineering. The government of Nepal has given a high priority for tourism development in the parts of country. Thus, the increase or decrease in the volume of tourist flow has direct or indirect impact on the every development process in Nepal.Study on “Ecotourism Impacts and Conservation in Dhunche-Gosaikunda Trek Route of Langtang National Park”was carried out by field observation and questionnaire survey. The study view of ecotourism is to study the impacts on natural environment of Dhunche-Gosainkunda trek route of Langtang National park in the Central Himalayan region of Nepal. Dhunche-Gosainkunda trek route offers variedclimatic condition and topography;so the people can experience a wide range of environmental, social and cultural blend in mountain tourism. The tourists visiting this area can experience spectacular scenery, exotic cultures and good hospitality The thesis is presented in six chapters. The First Chapter contains the introduction portion dealing with the concepts on status of tourism and ecotourism in Nepal, objectives and justification of the study. Chapter Two is literature review relevant to the research topic and study area. Methodology of the study is included in Chapter Three. Chapter Four includes the introduction on study area including flora and fauna. The main findings and results of the study are presented in Chapter Five. Finally the Chapter Six includes the discussion, recommendations and conclusion on findings. The tourist arrival figure shows decline in tourist arrivals and the 0.92%percentage of total tourists coming Nepal in 2003 visited the study area which is very negligible. Most of the tourists 52.77% found visit the area for trekking purpose. Most of the respondents are based on agriculture besides live stock herding and local product. From the study the tourist and local resident's activity have more effect on the wildlife behavior, deforestation and solid waste problem. The dependence of local people and hotels and lodges and their captive animals on nearby jungle for excessive use of forest products is alarming situation in study area. Of the67% local people found consuming 10-20 bhari of fuel wood per month and anaverage of 69.75kg/month by hotels and lodges. The low use of alternative energy in this area is affecting the vegetation of the area. Though the quality of water isn’t found degraded the sanitation condition of the area is relatively poor with 65% of respondents have no toilet facilities. Proper solid waste management lack is another striking feature of the study area despite the fact that several local committee are working here. There is influx of people from different country and religion which has affected on the local culture and leading to social degradation especially the young generations. The greater portion of tourism in study area is nature based. Hence, proper managed and with proper harmony ecotourism could play a vital role in the conservation and awareness building among the local. Today, throughout the world vast majority of the important species of animals and plants are about to be extinct so, well managed tourism in this area with a good harmony of local people, local trekkers and park authorities can attract nature loving tourist and from them they can generate more foreign currency which offers the locals to increase their living standard.