Sustainable livelihoods through conservation of wetland resources: a case of economic benefits from Ghodaghodi Lake, western Nepal

Abstract

ABSTRACT. We investigated the participation of local ethnic groups in wetland conservation, determined the economic benefits that they received from the wetlands, and assessed socioeconomic factors that affect dependency on wetlands. A total of 217 wetland resource-user households residing around Ghodaghodi Lake, western Nepal were surveyed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and ordinary least squares regressions. The wetland resources contributed significantly to the household economy of the local people. Each household extracted lake resources at an annual worth of NPR 4379 ($63 USD), equivalent to 12.4% of the household total gross income. Although the people maintained a positive attitude toward wetland conservation, their participation in conservation efforts was inadequate. Socioeconomic factors such as larger household size, older age of the head of the family, and larger area of agricultural land increased the rate of resource extraction. In contrast, when households were involved with local conservation organizations, resource extraction was reduced. We recommend the following resource conservation and livelihood strategies: implementation of community-based conservation approaches to increase system productivity, adoption of biogas plants, and improved cooking stoves to reduce fuelwood consumption, coupled with conservation awareness programs.

Tourism and wetland conservation: application of travel cost and willingness to pay an entry fee at Ghodaghodi Lake Complex, Nepal

“…For instance, the average annual home stay income for the year 2011 was US $2,000, and US $1,250 per household in the Bo Lu and Pac Ngoi villages, respectively, from Ba Be wetland tourism in Vietnam (Ramsar and UNWTO, 2012). In their study, Lamsal et al (2015b) reported positive attitudes and willingness of local people to participate in community-based conservation activities at the GLC. We anticipate that this positive attitude and willingness of local people should be taken as a good opportunity by concerned agencies to facilitate community participation in tourism and nature conservation programme at this Ramsar Site.…”

“…In their study, Lamsal et al . () reported positive attitudes and willingness of local people to participate in community‐based conservation activities at the GLC. We anticipate that this positive attitude and willingness of local people should be taken as a good opportunity by concerned agencies to facilitate community participation in tourism and nature conservation programme at this Ramsar Site.…”

Participatory wetland conservation in Yok Don National Park, Vietnam

“…This result is consistent with the findings of Lamsal et al (2015), who reported wetland income from Ghodaghodi Lake, western Nepal was not affected by education of respondents. Adams and Hulme (2001) argued "community conservation is not one thing but many" and highlighted the range of mechanisms that can be used to bridge livelihood activities with conservation objectives.…”

“…Park managers can also use this information in planning and finding the most appropriate management strategies to implement for the park. Furthermore, Lamsal et al (2015) suggested that better-off households who had less dependence on wetland resources were more involved with conservation organisations. A similar contribution of linkages between less direct benefits of wildlife management areas and more direct engagement with policy process was found in northern Tanzania by Salerno et al (2015).…”

“…Conducting long-term studies is essential for the government and park managers to use this information to develop different Indigenous strategies to target the groups of Indigenous communities and to expand the opportunities for collaboration amongst park managers and Indigenous communities. This is supported by Lamsal et al (2015) who argued that local and Indigenous people who participated in conservation organisations have used natural resources less than those who did not participate in any conservation organisations because the participation raises their environmental awareness.…”