Ecotourism’s Impact on Ethnic Groups and Households near Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Ecotourism near Chitwan National Park, Nepal, primarily benefits socioeconomically advantaged households while leaving disadvantaged groups, particularly those without land or facilities, excluded from opportunities. Despite this disparity, locals—including those engaging in illegal forest product extraction—recognize ecotourism's positive impacts on employment, social development, and conservation. The study, which surveyed 145 households in two buffer zone villages using structured questionnaires, highlights policy gaps that disproportionately favor certain groups. Researchers recommend restructuring policies to ensure equitable access to ecotourism benefits for all ethnic groups and economic levels, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable communities living near national parks.

Kandel, S., Harada, K., Adhikari, S., & Dahal, N. K. (2020). Ecotourism’s Impact on Ethnic Groups and Households near Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Journal of Sustainable Development, 13(3), 113. https://doi.org/10.5539/jsd.v13n3p113