CONSERVATION OF THE NATURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES IN NEPAL: TRADITIONAL VERSUS MODERN APPROACHES AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN PROTECTED AREAS

Abstract

Nepal, a small mountainous country very rich in flora, fauna and cultural heritage, requires an appropriate approach to balance the people's need with the conservation of the nature and natural resources. The indigenous system of sustainable conservation practice had been replaced in the 1970s by the modern National Park approach, which is highly successful in a limited area. Since the mid 1980s, a new participatory biodiversity conservation approach was initiated in Nepal to integrate mmmunity development with the management of the natural resources through the mobilization of the local people. The success and significant achievements of the protected area management system have been noted. Management issues in protected areas have also been highlighted with special reference to habitat encroachments for resource exploitation, settlement, poaching etc. Some important recommendations have also been incorporated in the present paper.