Community Management of Buffer Zone in Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Case Study C0049
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| Date | 1999 |
| Agency | Government of Nepal |
| Donor/support agency | Self |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Nepal |
| Locality | Not known |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/Landscape and species |
| Development focus | Communities living in 36 villages in buffer zone of the park |
| Conservation goals | Managing the park with people's participation |
| Poverty reduction goals | None |
Summary
Royal Chitwan National Park covers an area of 93200 ha on Nepal's border with India. Adjacent to it, there is Parsa Wild life Reserve which covers 49000 ha and makes it a large continuous patch rich with wild life and ecologically significant. Park is home to animals like Indian Rhinoceros, tigers and several species of deer. Around the park, there are about 275000 people living in 36 villages. They depend on the park for firewood, fodder and other basic needs. In the past, there were regular conflicts between park management and local people. Three to five people were killed every year by rhinos and tigers. Domestic cattle constituted up to 30% of total tigers killed and rhinos and other wild animals damaged the crops. So there was a tense relation between local people and the park. However, in 1993 through a pioneering legislation, areas surrounding the park were declared buffer zone where people could manage the forests and 30 to 50 percent of park revenues could be used by the local user group committees. One of the local groups, Baghamara group built nature trails for elephant back safaris and a wildlife viewing tower, where tourists could stay overnight to view wildlife. Within the first six months, nearly 8000 visitors visited the Baghmara wild life viewing area generating nearly US $ 200,000 in revenues. This provided enough money to the group to refurbish their three schools and a health clinic. The area which in the past was degraded is now one of the most popular tourist attractions of Nepal. Around 83000 visitors come to this area every year. Village managed forests have protected people from river floods, which were recurrent in this region. Community managed forests are fulfilling people's needs of fodder, fuel wood and building material. Villagers receive income of US $ 200 per year per elephant plus $3 per trip. Alternative energy sources like biogas plants and other community development efforts have been undertaken with this money. People's perception of the park and wildlife has changed and now they take active part in its management.
Conservation impact
Degradaed forests have become green. Community managed forests fulfill peoples needs, hence pressure on the park has declined.
Poverty reduction impact
Village managed forests have protected people from river floods, which were recurrent in this region. Community managed forests are fulfilling people's needs of fodder, fuel wood and building material. Villagers receive income of US $ 200 per year per elephant plus $3 per trip. Alternative energy sources, like biogas plants and other community development efforts, have been undertaken with this money.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Devolution or reinstatement of local rights over/access to resources
Local conservation enterprise opportunities
Reference 1
http://www.ecoagriculturepartners.org/cases/CSI.htm
More information
Sara J. Scherr, President, Ecoagriculture Partners, 1050 Potomac St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 USA, Tel: (202) 298-3004; (703) 758-2548, e-mail: sscherr@ecoagriculturepartners.org
Related records above this one:
- Government of Nepal (Organisation O0028)