A joint action of: Nepal Environment and Tourism Initiative Foundation (NETIF)
&
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park authority

Report on Eco-Guides Training - (6th-12th December, 2011)
Man is always dependent on natural resources for his subsistence. Apart from the ecological services that the ecosystems provide, an active non-extractive use of natural resources is recreation or eco-tourism. The challenge is to make sustainable and manage the magnitude of the natural resources in nature for the conservation of biodiversity at three major levels in ecosystems, habitats and species.

With proper planning and slow growth, eco-tourism can both benefit the local economy and preserve the resource base. If local inhabitants can be guaranteed with some economic benefits from eco-tourism, as well as continued necessities such as food, fuel, and land tenure, eco-tourism can integrate conservation and development.

The local communities could not be interested in the conservation of biodiversity until they draw the economic benefits out of its use. Economic benefits from eco-tourism should be distributed to the local people. Through income generation the eco-tourism can provide improved health care and education to the local inhabitants, as well as employment in the tourism industry. Demonstrating the economic benefits of conservation to the local population is one key to the successful protection of an area.

Tourist Attraction in Sundarijal Nagarjun National Park

Sundarijal national park has many attractions for eco-tourists including least disturbed coniferous forests, vast lush green meadows, meandering streams, lofty waterfalls, rich unique culture, traditional dishes etc. The tourists, if properly guided to the habitat can be lucky enough to see many things that the park has.

Realizing the importance and potential of eco-tourism in Sundarijal Nagarjun National park, Nepal Environment and Tourism Initiative Foundation (NETIF) along with Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park authority conducted a Nature guide training program for the local and youth of the valley held in Scout Building, Mulkharka from 6th to 12th December. Therefore the youths living in the periphery of the national park were given preference to join the course as they can be associated with the tourism livelihood activities.

Resource Persons:

The Training team comprised of:-
1. NATHM (Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management)
2. TAAN (Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Along with NATHM and TAAN, officers of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park also provided information on biodiversity richness to the participants.

Objectives of the Training course:

The aims of the training course were:
• To promote tourism activities within the Shivapuri Nagarjun National park and provide information about its biodiversity richness to the visitors visiting the park through the local guides.
• To support biodiversity conservation activities within the park.

Methodology Adapted:

Each day was started with theoretical session that included lectures and group discussions followed by practical that involved field visits for effective learning. Field visits were carried out in places such as Chisapani, Okhreni, Mulkharka, Wetland (Dhap).
The following lists of subjects were covered during the one week training period.
 Guiding techniques
 Introduction to guiding in the natural environment
 Weather and climate
 Basic ecology information
 Flora and fauna plants and animals) and their behavior
 Culture and monuments/ temples
 Conservation management

Participants

A total of 25 participants have attended the program. The youths living in the periphery of the national park were given preference to join the course as they can be associated with the tourism livelihood activities. The list of participants is placed at Annex I. Along with the participants; local club such as Sundarijal Environment and Tourism Development Society (SETDS) also took part in the program.

Future plan

Nepal Environment and Tourism Initiative Foundation (NETIF) have established a community center in the National park. NETIF is planning to involve the guides from the training program in the community center and also make this community center as a tourist information center.

Conclusion

Eco guide training conducted has been helpful for the local and the youths living in the periphery of the National park. This comprehensive training course has been effective for those wanting to experience to learn about the environment, tourism and culture of the area as well it has shown a means of employment to the locals and youths of the area.