STUDY OF LAND USE CHANGE IN THE BUFFER ZONE OF PROTECTED AREAS: A CASE OF SHIVAPURI NAGARJUN NATIONAL PARK. KATHMANDU VALLEY

Abstract

This study was aimed at understanding the land use change in the buffer zone of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Temporal GIS data sets of landuse which covered the time frame between 1980 and 2020 were used. Sample household survey, review of documents and interrogation with the governing bodies was carried out to understand the drivers of land use changes and other secondary information needed. Data analysis was accomplished through the integrated use of ArcGIS software package and Microsoft Excel. Analysis of land use change revealed the huge increment in built-up area with the depletion of cultivable land in the buffer zone. However, the coverage of forest in the buffer zone has not depleted to a great deal. Major driver of such change included influx of population due to availability of road and drinking water, proximity to workplace, education and health facilities. The existing policies on conservation of Protected Areas have been quite efficient in achieving the goal of conservation of forest cover in the buffer zone.