Social Considerations of Ecotourism Planning in Nandapur, Chitwan National Park Buffer Zone, Nepal

Abstract

Ecotourism holds promise of localized economic and environmental benefits. Yet, these benefits are often promoted in Nepal without assessing related challenges. Officials at Chitwan National Park plan to disperse tourism benefits and use more widely across the park buffer zone. The intention is to improve regional prosperity and alleviate impacts at the current, concentrated points of park entry. Park and tourism staff and government officials have identified Nandapur, a buffer zone village, as an additional park entry point. We present the story of Nandapur villagers, as they would be most affected by local ecotourism development. This case shares synthesized information from household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions to showcase (1) how locals view this potential national-level development in their rural ethnic-minority village and (2) what methods may examine such cases. Findings suggest that opportunities are welcomed overall but that the Botey (marginalized caste) are less positive about ecotourism’s local supports and benefits than are the Magar and Tharu (privileged castes). Significant challenges are posed regarding difficulties in community–park relationships, skills development, staffing, and information availability. Readers are offered an opportunity to critically consider scale and local inclusion in ecotourism development and the local viability of such efforts.