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.
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