Role and Impact of Buffer Zone in Development: A Case Study of Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Kanchanpur

Abstract

The SWR harbors the largest grassland inside the reserve which is known as “Sukilaphanta” “white grassland”. When the grass blooms in winter the seed head appear as glorious white. In winter (January to April) the largest herd of swamp deer in the world can be seen from different machans (view tower) located at different sites. To the north side on a clear day, the Nanda Devi Mountain can be seen. This is a very good place to take an elephant safari, as there are several small ponds that draw wildlife to them. It phanta is managed by controlled burning to help produce suitable habitat especially for the forage to the Swamp Deer. This area is good for sighting wild elephant and other wildlife. Within the reserve, there are number of artificial waterholes. These were made to attract animals away from poaching prone Mahakali River area and improve the habitat. Most of Suklaphata’s wildlife can visited these areas, so these areas surrounding the waterholes are better space to observe animals’ The specific objectives are: to examine the physical development status of the local people living around buffer zone area of Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, to analyze problems and prospects of buffer zone approach of community development, to assess community development programs during buffer zone management. Primary data and information were cpllected through sample house hold survey in five sample study locations- Chathari, Sunderpur, Bagphanta, Nayagaun, Lalpur followed by observation by the surveyor which includes total 50 household surveys and observations (10 sample households per sample study locations) using structured questionnaire and observation sheet. There is positive impact of the SWR in terms of income and employment generation in the buffer zone area. Average 90% respondent says that buffer zone is fruitful to conserve the water resource. Average 6% argue is they are suffering by wild animals. The survey suggests further in-depth study on promoting sustainable rural tourism business in the buffer zone, developing community forests with integration of livestock farming and related industrial activities, beekeeping and sericulture. Minimization of Park-People conflict and increasing participatory interaction/cooperation seems compulsory, developing and implementing appropriate policies and programs.