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Ecotourism in Nepal
Anup K. C.*
Abstract
Ecotourism gives priority to ecological resource integrity, environmental
conservation, community development and economic development by
maintaining low-impact and non-consumptive use of local resources.
ere are di erent forms of ecotourism developed worldwide as
community based ecotourism, ecosystem ecotourism, cultural ecotourism,
nature based ecosystem, protected area ecotourism and rural ecotourism.
It focuses on meeting three concurrent goals of biodiversity conservation,
poverty reduction and business viability using sustainable principles
and practices. In sustainable ecotourism, local government o cials,
local communities, NGOs, private sector and management committee
had a great role for tourism development and maintaining healthy
cooperation and coordination. Ecotourism had more bene cial impacts
compared to adverse impacts on the environment, society and culture. It
emphasizes the protection of natural resources, biological diversity and
sustainability of resource. It increases mobility of people, social stability
and harmony; strengthen traditional culture, hospitality and folkway;
and decreases political con icts. Economic bene ts from ecotourism
include direct employment in hotels, lodges, tourist restaurants, and
tourist chau euring. It is an integral part of the master development
strategy of a developing nation. In Nepal, ecotourism helps to enhance
forest cover, ora, fauna, greenery, alternative energy sources, natural
resource, biodiversity and other environmental bene ts. It had helped
in controlling antisocial activities, conserving religious and cultural
heritage, maintaining peace and prosperity and increase in cooperation
of people with religious beliefs and religious tolerance. It had a great role
in poverty alleviation, rural development, agricultural transformation,
community enrichment and social empowerment of women in Nepal. In
the early stage of ecotourism development, it is di cult to have adequate
private agencies and local people involved in delivering lodging, fooding,
tour management and tourism activities during peak visitation season.
* Anup K.C. is an eminent scholar who has already published several research articles on tourism, climate change,
ecology and environment in International Journals. Currently he is working at Nepal Electricity Authority,
Environment and Social Studies Department, Kharipati, Bhaktapur, Nepal. Email:kcanup04@gmail.com
The GAZE Journal of Tourism and Hospitality (Vol. 8)2
ere is need of training on nature guiding, cooking, sustainable use of
tourism resources, proper handling of tourism demands, expertise in
park management and nance management.
Keywords: Ecotourism, Environmental Impacts, Social Impacts,
Economic Impacts, Nepal
Introduction of Ecotourism
Ecotourism is one of the important branches of the sustainable tourism industry
which focuses on biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, poverty
alleviation and economic development (Du y, 2008; K. C., 2016; K.C., Rijal, &
Sapkota, 2015). Among the di erent types of tourism industry, ecotourism protects
and conserves natural resources by providing employment to the people (K.C. &
apa Parajuli, 2014b). It gives priority to ecological resource integrity, environmental
conservation, community development and economic development by maintaining
low-impact and non-consumptive use of local resources (Stem, Lassoie, Lee, &
Deshler, 2003). ere is need of accessibility, liberalization, community empowerment,
tourism facilities, tourism products, basic accommodation and public participation
(Du y, 2008; Gurung & Scholz, 2008).
Di erent experts and organizations have di erent views on ecotourism. It is also
di ering according to the location, special characteristics of the region, and facilities
of ecotourism and nature of activities o ered by ecotourism entrepreneurs. Winter
sports tourism in snowy mountain is important component of local and national
tax revenue in some countries, trekking and mountaineering tourism is important
in other mountainous countries, recreational activities near the sea is important in
the countries connected with oceans, cultural tours and visit is famous in cultural
heritage rich countries and site visit is important in naturally and ecologically rich
countries. Tourism can be promoted in arti cially and naturally developed area while
ecotourism is more successful in naturally developed areas.
Ecosystem ecotourism integrates sustainable development with ecosystem
structures and functions by managing biological diversity in relation to tourism
experience for absorbing or adapting the pressures of tourists (Tyler & Danger eld,
1999). Rural ecotourism takes place in rural environment with rural resources showing
rurality, traditional culture, agricultural sightseeing, farming experience and rural
accommodations and entertainment (Degang & Xiaoting, 2006). Cultural ecotourism
focuses on cultural traditions, life of local communities, minority cultures and cultural
traditions (Genzong, Penghua, & Shaoxia, 2007). Nature-based ecotourism focuses on
natural resources in parks and protected areas and environment quality (Eagles, 2002).
Ecotourism is an alternative form of tourism which enhances tourism in
the biophysical environment and supports ecologically sustainable activities,
3K. C. : Ecotourism in Nepal
conservation supporting measures and involvement of local communities (Dowling,
2000; K. C., 2016). It also focuses on community development, poverty alleviation,
wildlife conservation, environmental protection and traditional economic bases like
agriculture, livestock and hunting (Du y, 2008). It supports job, market, culture,
ownership, management, coordination, wildlife conservation and equitable sharing
of bene ts in the local area (Sindiga, 1999). Sustainable principles and practices are
supported by ful lling goals of biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction; and
by maintaining national standards of atmospheric quality, sound quality, drinking
water and sewage (Degang & Xiaoting, 2006; Hawkins, 2004).
Ecotourism focuses on responsible travel to natural areas by conserving
environment, improving well-being of local people, travelling to natural areas,
minimizing impact, building environmental awareness, and providing direct
nancial bene ts, empowerment for local people and respects to their local culture
(Honey, 2008). It prioritizes tourism industry with sustainable development goals
of conserving nature, bene ting local people and educating tourists towards
sustainability. Government, nongovernmental organizations, local communities and
businessman should be involved to manage tourist with proper guideline, certi cation
and regulations. It creates innovative activities to attract visitors, provide opportunity
to interact with nature and helps to conserve ora and fauna (Wood, 2002).
Responsible ecotourism include those activities to minimize the negative aspects
of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of
local people. In addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, ecotourism
involves promotion of recycling, energy e ciency, water conservation, and creation of
economic opportunities for local communities (Randall, 1987). According to Ceballos
Lascurain (1996), “Ecotourism is de ned as travelling to relatively undisturbed natural
areas with speci c objective of studying, admiring and enjoying scenery and its wild
animals and plants as well as existing cultural assets found in these areas”.
Ecotourism is environmentally responsible travel and visit to undisturbed
natural areas for enjoyment and appreciation of nature that promotes conservation
with low visitors impacts and active socio-economic involvement of local
population (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1996). It supports biodiversity conservation, local
development, job employment, market for local products and encourages cultural
sensitivity in guest-host relations. Direct bene t sharing and planning is minimal to
integrate national tourism objectives with local needs to landowners. It is taken as
a catalyst for encouraging ecologically sustainable development with a harmonious
relationship with nature, local communities, their cultures and customs (Sindiga,
1999). Ecotourism contribute greatly towards Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for
developing countries like Nepal which are rich in natural environment and culture
(Amati, 2013; UNEP, 2013).
The GAZE Journal of Tourism and Hospitality (Vol. 8)4
Principle of Ecotourism
Ecotourism focuses on meeting three concurrent goals using sustainable
principles and practices: (1) biodiversity conservation through protection of natural
and cultural resources; (2) poverty reduction through small and medium size
enterprise development, job creation, and social equity measures; and (3) business
viability through access to capital, return on investment and pro tability. Growing
environmental awareness and advances in transportation and communication has
made ecotourism one of the fastest-growing segments in the travel industry. Equity
investments and nancial facilities are essential for the development of ecotourism-
related businesses in protected areas. Strategic planning, nancial analysis, technical
assistance and business plan development are also needed to create entrepreneurial-
driven sustainable development and to improve the quality and viability of ecotourism
(Hawkins, 2004).
e principle of ecotourism minimizes impacts of tourism, builds environmental
and cultural awareness and provides positive experiences to visitors and hosts.
It provides direct nancial bene ts for conservation and helps in upli ment of
society. It raises sensitivity of the host country’s political, environmental and social
issues and supports international human rights and labor agreements (TIES, 1990).
Ecotourism involves education and interpretation of natural environment to manage
it in an ecologically sustainable way. It is labor intensive and o ers a variety of small
scale opportunities creating jobs for poor, women, and young people, and jobs for
indigenous community. It takes care of natural resources and helps to earn money
through tourism enterprise to better their lives. It involves conservation, business
enterprise and community development with the help of direct and indirect
participants and bene ciaries (Das & Syiemlieh, 2009).
Ecotourism creates sustainable economic development through conservation
objectives and balances the con icting goals of economic development and
biodiversity conservation. It is the sector of the larger tourism industry focusing on
bringing bene ts to local communities and protecting natural areas. Development
of ecotourism makes biodiversity conservation economically viable for local
communities. Additional sources of income from ecotourism come from sale of
traditional handicra s and agricultural products. National and international level
coordination is important for the sustainability of ecotourism projects. Multiple
government departments, including ministries of tourism, natural resources and rural
development coordinates policies and programs to pursue the success of ecotourism
projects. International organizations which provide support to ecotourism projects
should coordinate with government agencies and local non-pro ts (Cusack & Dixon,
2006).
5K. C. : Ecotourism in Nepal
Ecotourism is one of the preferred tools for conservation and community
development in rural areas. It depends on the potential to provide local economic
bene ts by maintaining ecological resource integrity through low-impact and non-
consumptive use of local resources. Successful ecotourism initiatives get higher
number of tourists and they solve problems of solid waste generation, habitat
disturbance, and trail erosion. Such impacts could seriously threaten the resources
upon which ecotourism depends. Ecotourism provides local economic bene ts by
maintaining ecological resource integrity through low-impact and non-consumptive
resource use. It nancially supports protected areas through tourism-related park
fees (Stem, et al., 2003).
Di erent Forms of Ecotourism
ere are di erent forms of ecotourism named according to the nature, context
and practices of ecotourism. ey are named di erently according to the types, place
and characteristics of ecotourism followed in the particular region.
Community Based Ecotourism
Local income, biodiversity conservation and cultural preservation are necessary
for community based ecotourism (CBE) promotion in remote areas. Successful
implementation of CBE project requires improvement of accessibility, liberalization
of pricing policy, community empowerment, and development of tourism facilities
and incorporation of nature-based tourism products. To increase social, economic
and environmental bene ts, tourism development in protected areas should focus
on interdisciplinary and interdepartmental e ort with collaboration between the
conservation and tourism authorities (Gurung & Scholz, 2008).
Ecological sustainability and local community development is focused in
community-based ecotourism. Environmental sensitivity and responsibility promoted
by ecotourism provide political, economic and social bene t to host communities.
Community-based ecotourism requires local employment and bene ts through local
initiation and control. It enhances social status, mobility, social cohesion, harmony
and ecological sustainability. Environmental sensitivity and responsibility promoted
by ecotourism can serve political, economic, social and environmental interests
of host communities. e relationship between community based ecotourism and
empowerment is complex and incomplete, and the economic and psychological
empowerment of individuals is attained by political and social empowerment of
communities (Kontogeorgopoulos, 2005).
Ecotourism o ers both the service and experience. Historic places and parks
provide emotional experience and psychological benefits to ecotourist (Chan &
Baum, 2007). It supplies real experiences of natural environment and the whole
ecosystem (Tyler & Danger eld, 1999). Ecotourism experiences include seeing
The GAZE Journal of Tourism and Hospitality (Vol. 8)6
wildlife in its natural habitat and preservation of natural environment, enjoying
basic accommodation and facilities and acquiring knowledge about nature and the
environment (Chan & Baum, 2007). e attractive and beautiful scenery of snowy
mountains, green hills, lakes, rivers and forest makes the ecotourist feels like the real
experience of heaven. e melodious sound of bird, insects and wild animals in the
wilderness area provides spiritual sensation to every people.
Ecosystem Ecotourism
Ecosystem includes living organisms, physical environment and their
interactions and feedbacks. e herbivory, predation, parasitism and mutualism
between biotic and abiotic components provide basic components in ecosystem
tourism. Ecosystem tourism is supply led tourism strategy with the central theme
of ecosystem integrity enabling sustainable development. It does not exclude
tourist and commercial exploitation of the ecosystem. It depends on integrated
management philosophy considering bene ciaries, socioeconomic constraints and
impacts on the resource base within a realistic spatial and temporal scale. It requires
entire ecosystems or the biological diversity managed in relation to the tourism
experience. (Tyler & Danger eld, 1999). In this type of ecotourism, activities
are focused in such a way that helps to maintain the structures and functions of
ecosystem.
Rural Ecotourism
Rural ecotourism promotes the combination between agriculture and tourism,
enhances the pro ts from agriculture and provides peasantry with more pro t,
more employment opportunities and better living conditions. It plays a positive
role in prompting the development of rural economy and rural culture through
agricultural sightseeing and experience with traditional accommodations and
simple entertainment. Rural tourism was originated in Europe to develop tourism
in a sustainable way with rural environment, rural re ections, and agricultural
products as a source of tourist attractions, peasantry life style and traditional folk
custom. It takes place in rural environment based on the available resources of
rural scenario. In rural tourism, tourists enjoy staying in the yard, strolling and
looking around owers, green plants, gardens, old architecture and by playing
cards or mahjong. ere are few packing houses, butchers and packmen, distance
carriers and souvenir shop which provide service to the tourist in the form of chefs,
waiters and o ce boys. It generates second revenue for the local villagers with the
help of traditional hospitality, honest folkway and environmental conservation.
Atmospheric quality, sound quality, drinking water, sewage, lampblack and all
kinds of resources meet the national standards of environmental conservation
(Degang & Xiaoting, 2006).
7K. C. : Ecotourism in Nepal
Sustainable Ecotourism
In sustainable ecotourism, local government o cials, local communities,
NGOs, private sector and management committee had a great role for conservation,
development and logistical functions towards tourism development and maintaining
healthy cooperation and coordination. Local governments should develop fund from
provincial and national governments or NGOs for preparation of management plan
and proper functioning of nature reserve with the support of management committee.
ere is need of control of air pollution, wastewater and waste management;
develop and implement wildlife conservation policies; and focus on conservation
and education programs. Also, scienti c researches, monitoring programs and
environmental impact assessments should be conducted for conserving biodiversity
and enhance tourism and other human activities that have negative impact on the
wildlife and their habitat. Research opportunities should be provided to attract
scientists and students to conduct research in the region. Sustainable forestry projects
should be developed to maximize potential production and maintain the natural
diversity, structure and function of the forest ecosystems (Genzong, et al., 2007).
Sustainable ecotourism imposes less environmental impacts, minimizes negative
externalities, promotes environmental and cultural integrity, and helps in e ective
resource management and generation of income (UNEP, 2013). Developing countries
have advantage from ecotourism as they have unique natural environments, cultures
and opportunities for adventure holidays. It generates employment for the unskilled
workforce in rural area through community-led tourism activities for preserving
natural ecosystems (UNEP, 2013). For ecotourism programme to be sustainable, all
the environmental, social and economic aspects should be taken care o . Economic
activities should be focused by conserving the nature, culture and moral aspects of
the society. Local resources, local traditions and local manpower should be prioritized
for attaining sustainability in ecotourism.
Cultural Ecotourism
It is an important aspect of ecotourism where there is need of preservation of
cultural traditions to enrich the quality of the life of local communities. It is necessary
to develop and promote minority cultures to preserve cultural traditions and organize
education and training programs of ecotourism and nature reserve to tourism
operators, employees and tourist (Genzong, et al., 2007). Cultural ecotourism is one
of the most popular forms of ecotourism developed worldwide from the historical
past. Religious places, cultural monuments, historical buildings, traditional museums
and popular arts and sculptures are the main bases of cultural ecotourism. Religious
beliefs, dresses, languages, music, literatures, occasions, festivals and traditions are
the main source of attractions and entertainment for ecotourists.
The GAZE Journal of Tourism and Hospitality (Vol. 8)8
Impacts of Ecotourism
Ecotourism had both bene cial and adverse impacts on the environment, society
and culture. In comparison, there are more bene cial impacts and few adverse
impacts on di erent components of environment.
Environmental Impacts
Ecotourism emphasizes the protection of natural resources, biological diversity
and sustainability of resource (Bin, Suocheng, & Mei, 2008). It is a supply led
tourism strategy that does not exclude the tourist and commercial exploitation of the
ecosystem. It enables sustainable development with the central theme of ecosystem
integrity and encourages local people for the conservation and protection of the
environment (Degang & Xiaoting, 2006; Tyler & Danger eld, 1999). It generates
community bene ts from conservation and protection of the environment and
biodiversity (Ormsby & Mannle, 2006). Forest area, natural resources and biological
diversity can be increased while sustainability of resource use and tourism resources
can be enhanced during tourism development (Bin, et al., 2008).
Ecotourism in uences conservation, decreases deforestation and hunting rate
and discourages conversion of forest to agricultural and pastoral land (Stem, et al.,
2003). It is one of the preferred tools for conservation and community development
that increases benefit of communities and conservation activities (Du y, 2008). In
ecotourism, natural resources are protected by increasing recreational and tourist
potential as a center of attraction (Kelkit, Ozel, & Demirel, 2005). It enriches the area
with natural regeneration, new plantations, infrastructural development and new
destination for visitors and nature-based tourism (Nath & Alauddin, 2006). ere is
positive bene t to ora and fauna due to the decrease in environmental and cultural
impacts (Brunet, Bauer, De Lacy, & Tshering, 2001; Winson, 2006).
Ecological sustainability, grassroots development, environmental sensitivity and
responsibility promoted by ecotourism can serve the political, economic, social and
environmental interests of host communities (Kontogeorgopoulos, 2005). Ecotourism
supplies real experiences of natural environments and solution to increased tourists
and increased degradation of natural areas (Lieberknecht & Papazian, 1999). Multi-
sector planning and environment-friendly characteristic of ecotourism brings
ecological and economic bene ts to community and the whole country (Bin, et al.,
2008; Gezon, 2014).
Social Impacts
Similar to environmental impacts, adverse social impacts are minimal with
more positive impacts (Boxill & Severin, 2004). Ecotourism increases mobility of
people, social stability and harmony; strengthen traditional culture, hospitality
9K. C. : Ecotourism in Nepal
and folkway; and decreases political con icts (Bin, et al., 2008; Degang & Xiaoting,
2006; Schellhorn, 2010; Sreekumar & Parayil, 2002). Ecotourism operators organize
cultural tours with di erent community groups and introduce rich culture to
ensure experience of tourism stakeholders (Kelkit, et al., 2005; Stem, et al., 2003).
Ecotourism o ers diverse products and services categorized as both a service and an
experience (Chan & Baum, 2007). Ecotourism can cause social con icts between the
locals and government authorities and also challenge cultural values due to western
in uence (Gurung & Scholz, 2008; Maikhuri, Rana, Rao, Nautiyal, & Saxena, 2000).
ere may be increase in alcoholism, drug addiction and prostitution due to tourism
(Zambrano, Broadbent, & Durham, 2010). Foreign cultures brought by tourists have
an impact on local tradition and plain cultures (Bin, et al., 2008).
Economic Impacts
Economic bene ts from ecotourism include direct employment in hotels, lodges,
tourist restaurants, and tourist chau euring. It is an integral part of the master
development strategy of a developing nation (Doan, 2000; Stem, et al., 2003). It is
important to integrate ecotourism with farming activities, handicra and other local
businesses to bring more benefits in the society (Degang & Xiaoting, 2006). Parks
and protected areas need e ective participation of people for resource management
and self-reliant communities have greater chance of progress. Local community can
play a great role in empowering people to mobilize their own capacities (Singh &
Singh, 2004).
Ecotourism helps to collect revenue from fee and license from parks and overcome
the cost of production and coordinate with corporate and non-pro t entities
(Eagles, 2002; Stem, et al., 2003). Ecotourism is taken as the driving force of socio-
economic development, change in traditional growth patterns and construction of
harmonious and environment-friendly society (Eagles, 2002; Sreekumar & Parayil,
2002). It increases employment, releases environmental pressure and helps in
regional economic development. It can attract funds, increase revenue, enhances
transportation, improves accommodation, solves poverty problem and enhances
social stability and harmony. It transfer rural surplus labors to non-agricultural
industries, change the traditional rural lifestyle and productive style, increase the
income of farmers and improve the welfare. Ecotourism brings more economic
bene ts and ecological bene ts to the people (Bin, et al., 2008).
Ecotourism in Nepal
Nepal has an area of 147,181 sq. km. with great diversity of topographic, eco-
climatic, natural and cultural features. It is rich in Himalayan ranges, natural beauty,
protected areas, biodiversity, landscape, cultural heritage and ethnic diversity (Bhusal,
2007). It is one of the most adventurous cultural and ecotourism destinations in the
The GAZE Journal of Tourism and Hospitality (Vol. 8)10
world with many trekking routes and sites for ecotourists to explore natural beauty
from east to west and north to south (K. C., 2016; K.C., et al., 2015; Musa, Hall, &
Higham, 2004; Nepal, 1997). It is naturally and culturally rich with Himalayas, green
forests, spring, waterfall, meandering river, lake, fertile valleys, and diverse ora and
fauna (Bajracharya et al., 2011).
It is one of the most important adventurous, cultural and ecotourism destinations
in the world due to the presence of Himalayas, and cultural and natural attractions.
Eight of the 14 mountains in the world over 8000 m are in Nepal, including the world’s
highest, Mt. Everest (Musa, et al., 2004). ere are fragile, pristine and undisturbed
natural areas focusing on low-impact small scale tourism, ecological conservation,
economic development and political empowerment of local communities, cultures
and human rights (Bajracharya, et al., 2011). Ecotourism in Nepal is based on
promoting people participation in planning and management of tourism; increasing
community development, nature conservation and tourism linkages; and mobilizing
tourism incomes to safeguard resources.
Nepal has a total population of over 27.58 million (CBS, 2014), and it consists of
59 ethnic groups with 101 spoken languages. It is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the
Light of Asia and has more than 1250 heritage sites identi ed and documented from
72 districts. Kathmandu Development Committee has listed a total of 870 religious
and cultural monuments in Kathmandu valley. ere are eight World Cultural
Heritage Sites: Bhaktapur, Patan and Kathmandu Durbar Squares; Swayambhunath;
Baudhanath; Pashupatinath; Changunarayan and Lumbini (the birth place of Lord
Buddha) combined with two world’s Natural Heritage Sites: Sagarmatha and Chitwan
National Parks (Bhusal, 2007; K.C., 2016).
Community-based tourism in protected areas and outside protected areas in
di erent region of Nepal had supported livelihood of local communities (Acharya
& Halpenny, 2013; Nepal, 1997). As a result, Government of Nepal has developed
protected areas and cultural heritage sites for conserving wildlife, preserving culture
and enhancing ecotourism (Baral, Stern, & Hammett, 2012). In such areas, tourists
enjoy seeing mountain ranges, natural beauty, protected biodiversity, landscape,
cultural heritage and ethnic diversity (Bhusal, 2007; K. C., 2016). Tourism had
already been an alternative source of income generation in many rural and cultural
villages of Nepal through rural tourism initiatives (Acharya & Halpenny, 2013; K.C.,
et al., 2015).
In Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) (one of the natural heritage site), tourist can
enjoy scenic beauty, trek and climb Mountains, view Mt. Everest, enjoy local cultures
and traditions, and enjoy wilderness. ere is inclusion of local participation,
economic viability, education dissemination, tourist satisfaction and tourism impact
11K. C. : Ecotourism in Nepal
reduction for sustaining ecotourism (Musa, et al., 2004). Climate change, unfavorable
weather change and other environmental impacts had a ected the tourism in SNP
by disturbing the travel of visitors to move around the area and decrease the length
of stay in the past.
Annapurna region is the popular trekking destinations providing the scenic
view of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre and many other mountains.
ere is high diversity of ecosystems ranging from sub-tropical lowlands, temperate
forest to the world’s highest alpine peaks (Dowling, 2000). To manage the trekking
site and biological diversity, conservation area was set up handling management to
National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) (Nepal, 1997). Participatory natural
resources conservation method was implemented with the full support of local people
for making project nancially sustainable (Nepal, 1997). To minimize the adverse
impacts and strengthen the positive bene ts of tourism, bottom up approach based
on local management is implemented in Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA)
(Dowling, 2000). Inside ACA, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountaineering, viewing
wildlife and visiting cultural sites, ethnic museums and natural photography (Baral, et
al., 2012). For this, ACAP collect entry fees from international tourist for community
development projects on health and sanitation, education, environmental protection,
etc. (Nepal, 1997). Unfavorable weather change due to the impact of climate change
had caused death of many tourist and had a ected trekking around ACA in the past.
Ecotourism in Barpak of Gorkha Nepal was one of the successful rural ecotourism
implemented in Nepal. It was able to solve socioeconomic, political, ethnic and
gender disparities. ere were cleaner pathways, cleaner yards and junctions with
shops full of a variety of cleaner products, water taps and public toilets (Acharya &
Halpenny, 2013). e devastating earthquake of April 2015 and its a ershocks had
destroyed the Barpak badly as it was the epicenter of the earthquake. Houses which
were used as homestays were destroyed and local people are trying to get away from
the adverse impacts by focusing on reconstruction of houses.
Total number of tourist arrival in Nepal decreased at the rate of 0.95 percent
from 797,616 in 2013 to 790,118 in 2014. Average length of stay had also decreased
from 12.51 in 2013 to 12.44 in 2014. Before 2013, annual growth rate of tourist and
average length of stay was in increasing trend. Out of total tourist arrival in Nepal,
47.3 percent tourist arrives for the purpose of holiday in 2012 and it increases to
51.5 percent in 2013 (K.C., 2016). e devastating earthquake of April 2015 and its
a ershocks had also a ected the ow of tourist in Nepal. Many trekking routes in
the Langtang, Gaurishankar, Manaslu, Gosainkunda, Rasuwa, Sindupalchowk and
Dolakha were a ected badly. ese area are in reconstruction process and it will take
time to recover so that the ow of tourist will increase as that of past.
The GAZE Journal of Tourism and Hospitality (Vol. 8)12
Impacts of Ecotourism in Nepal
As Nepal is rich in ecological, social, cultural and ethnic diversity; there is a great
scope of ecotourism for overall development of country. ere are positive as well as
negative environmental, social and economic impacts of ecotourism.
Environmental Impacts
Ecotourism helps to enhance forest cover, ora, fauna, greenery, alternative energy
sources, natural resource and biodiversity in Ghandruk (K.C., et al., 2015). ere are
good living rooms, bedrooms, toilets, showers, lodging, clean and comfortable stays,
local cuisines, natural scenery and positive interactions with host communities and
other bene ts to tourist in ACA (Nepal, 2007). ere is
deforestation, pollution and
cultural degradation in Sagarmatha area due to tourism development activities (Musa,
et al., 2004). To promote ecotourism; greenery, forest resources, water resources and
other natural resources are managed which helps to increase the biodiversity of ora
and fauna in the country. But, construction of roads and other infrastructures had
decreased the scenic beauty and greenery in the environment disturbing the ow of
tourist in the area. Trekking tourism in most of the popular trekking route of Nepal
is disturbed by rural road construction.
Social Impacts
Ecotourism addresses gender inequities, social pride, and excitement of children,
peace and prosperity in Barpak. Coordination of local community members,
government agency and tourism entrepreneur had helped in the successful
implementation of ecotourism project (Acharya & Halpenny, 2013). Ecotourism
had helped in controlling antisocial activities, conserving religious and cultural
heritage, maintaining peace and prosperity and increase in cooperation of people
with religious beliefs and religious tolerance (K.C., et al., 2015). For the sustainability
in SNP, local participation, economic viability, education dissemination, tourist
satisfaction, environmental, cultural, economic and social impacts, health and safety
of the tourist and minimizing of tourism impact is important (Musa, et al., 2004).
Economic Impacts
Tourism is one of the important sectors contributing to the economic upli ment of
tourism dependent community and one of the small contributors to Nepal’s economy.
e total foreign exchange earnings and tourism sector contribution to GDP in Nepal
in scal year 2012/13 was 34,210.6 million and 2.0 percent, respectively (K.C., 2016).
It had helped in economic development and job creation to local villagers with the
establishment of hotels, restaurants, tea shops, bakery cafes, grocery and gi shops
in Ghandruk (K.C., et al., 2015). It is able to generate more income and help local
people to provide important basic needs for household consumption in Manaslu
13K. C. : Ecotourism in Nepal
Conservation Area (K.C. & apa Parajuli, 2014b). It has a great role in poverty
alleviation, rural development, agricultural transformation, community enrichment
and social empowerment of women in Nepal (Bajracharya, et al., 2011). It has a great
role in employment generation and socioeconomic development of a place (K. C.,
2016). Growth and development of Pokhara and Annapurna Conservation Area is a
good example of economic growth from ecotourism (K. C., 2016). Because of higher
incomes, many parents of Manang District of ACA can now a ord to send their
children to high schools and universities in Kathmandu (Bajracharya, et al., 2011).
Challenges of Ecotourism
In the early stage of tourism development, it is di cult to have adequate private
agencies and local people involvement in delivering tourism facilities. Lodging,
fooding, tour management and tourism activities seems to be unplanned during peak
visitation season. ere is need of training on nature guiding, cooking and other
tourism facilities (Yip, Mohd, Ghani, & Emby, 2006). It is di cult to get competent
and dedicated human capital having good networking skill in ecotourism (Bertella,
2011). Lack of English language communication skills and lack of education is a major
challenge for tourism development (Cli on & Benson, 2006; Schellhorn, 2010).
Climate change is important challenge experienced by local people in di erent
region of Nepal including Manaslu Conservation Area in the form of increase in
temperature, irregular rainfall pattern, and less snowfall (K.C. & apa Parajuli,
2014a). ere is similar situation felt by local people in Annapurna Conservation Area,
Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Sagarmatha region, Kanchenjunga Conservation
Area and other trekking routes of Nepal. It is also causing decrease in tourist number
and tourist facilities in di erent region of Nepal.
Needs of Ecotourism
If the ecotourism concept is to be truly universal, the system must be adaptable
and inclusive. Planning and management of ecotourism need to be supervised by a
council, advisory board, association and a programme. e roles of the stakeholders
involved in the project and hierarchy of the people involved should be clearly
articulated as the success of the ecotourism depend on appropriate levels of leadership,
cooperation and coordination. A protocol on ecotourism should be developed which
covers the standards, appropriate monitoring procedures and criteria. UNESCO
World Heritage system and the RAMSAR sites help to guide the formation of the
ecotourism system with the centrality of the ecotourism component for achieving
sustainability outcomes (Fennell & Weaver, 2005).
Sustainable use of tourism resources, proper handling of tourism demands,
expertise in park management and nance management is important for sustainable
development of tourism and tourism management (Eagles, 2002; Shi et al., 2014).
The GAZE Journal of Tourism and Hospitality (Vol. 8)14
Biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage preservation, improvement of accessibility,
liberalisation of pricing policy, community empowerment, development of tourism
facilities, incorporation of nature-based tourism products, interdisciplinary and
interdepartmental e ort, collaboration between conservation and tourism authorities
is necessary to develop ecotourism (Gurung & Scholz, 2008). Successful ecotourism
considers bene ciaries, socioeconomic constraints, impacts on the resource base,
inclusion of local bene ts, economic viability, education dissemination and tourist
satisfaction (Musa, et al., 2004; Tyler & Danger eld, 1999).
Support and participation of local communities in tourism planning and
development is important for conservation and management to avoid serious
con icts with the management and make ecotourism sustainable (Boxill & Severin,
2004; Genzong, et al., 2007; Zal & Breda, 2010). Community involvement, community
organizing, environmental education and leadership training is important for
sustainable development of ecotourism (Catibog-Sinha & Wen, 2008).
Conclusions
Ecotourism helps in biodiversity conservation, poverty reduction and business
viability using sustainable principles and practices. Local government o cials, local
communities, NGOs, private sector and management committee had a great role for
tourism development and maintaining healthy cooperation and coordination. It has
environmental, social and economic impacts in the community and the whole country.
In Nepal, ecotourism helps in environmental conservation, social enhancement and
economic development of a particular area where ecotourism is being promoted. It had
helped in controlling antisocial activities, conserving religious and cultural heritage,
maintaining peace and prosperity and increase in cooperation of people with religious
beliefs and religious tolerance. Poverty alleviation, rural development, agricultural
transformation and community enrichment is promoted by ecotourism in Nepal. ere
are many challenges faced by ecotourism entrepreneurs and tourist in the early stage of
planning and management. Adequate training on nature guiding, cooking, sustainable
use of tourism resources, proper handling of tourism demands, expertise in park
management and nance management can help to solve the challenges of ecotourism.
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