Perceptions of trekking tourism and social and environmental change in Nepal's Himalayas

Abstract

The Himalayas are among the world's youngest mountain ranges. In addition to the geologic processes of mountain building and erosion, they are also highly vulnerable to human influenced change, occurring at local, national, regional, and international scales. A photo-elicitation methodology is employed to show how residents perceive those changes from historical perspectives, as well as their current conditions and impacts on their daily lives. Nepal's Khumbu region has undergone major social and environmental transformations since the 1960s when international trekking first began to influence the area's economy. The current perceptions of Khumbu residents of these changes are assessed through photo-elicitation interviews. Their responses are placed in the historical context of: (1) institutional and political changes, most of which have been driven by national government policies; (2) social and economic changes, for which the tourism economy has been central; and (3) environmental changes, reflecting the impacts of resource management and climate change. The mostly positive perceptions of Khumbu residents toward how their region has changed reflects general improvements in the physical and cultural landscapes of the Khumbu over time, as well as its continuing geographic isolation, which has helped to slow the rate of globalization, while also keeping the region a dynamic and popular tourist destination.

Cultural Values and Sustainable Tourism Governance in Bhutan

“…Trekking represents the biggest threat to Bhutan's environment. Nepal's experience is particularly notable given the deforestation, trail erosion, contamination of water, and solid waste problems arising from tourist trekkers [41][42][43][44]. Bhutan's relatively small number of high paying tourists combined with strong regulations around garbage and fuel wood have helped avoid this problem.…”

A clear and present danger: Ladakh's increasing vulnerability to flash floods and debris flows

“…For example, in Nepal, Nyaupane et al . () showed how historical environmental change cannot be divorced from the transformations caused by tourism. This attitude is critical for understanding how people living in and visiting Ladakh can adapt to the forces of nature and contribute to development over time.…”

“…In addition to the obvious need for risk assessment and hazard mapping based on calculated recurrence intervals and paleoflood reconstructions, a fine-tuned study of vulnerability, from the perspective of both residents and visitors, is needed. For example, in Nepal, Nyaupane et al (2014) showed how historical environmental change cannot be divorced from the transformations caused by tourism. This attitude is critical for understanding how people living in and visiting Ladakh can adapt to the forces of nature and contribute to development over time.…”

Sustainable Management of Trekking Trails for the Adventure Tourism in Mountains: A Study of Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trails

“…Th ere are a number of publications on management practices on trails and their implications for sustainability. Th e existing body of knowledge (American Trails, 2007;Beeton, 2007;Beirman, Upadhayaya, Pradhananga & Darcy, 2018;Council of Europe, 2010;Hayes & MacLeod 2007;Hugo, 2010b;Hughes & Morrison-Saunders, 2002;Kling, Fredman, & Wall-Reinius, 2017;MacLeod, 2016;Marion & Wimpey, 2017;Marschall, 2012;Mu & Nepal, 2015;Nyaupane, Lew, & Tatsugawa, 2014;Pickering & Norman, 2017;Rogerson, 2007;Santarém, Silva & Santos, 2015;Sato, Kim, Buning and Harada, 2018;Slabbert & Preez, 2017;TAOC, 2006;Timothy & Boyd, 2015;Weston & Mota, 2012;Williams, & Soutar, 2005;Zabbini, 2012;Zurich, 2010) on trails and tourism has diverse focuses.…”