“Imported Buddhism” or “Co-Creation”? Buddhist Cultural Heritage and Sustainability of Tourism at the World Heritage Site of Lumbini, Nepal

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, faces challenges in balancing tourism sustainability with local community engagement. The site's unique 'co-creation' model, involving international monasteries from Theravada and Mahayana traditions, attracts global visitors but limits local business participation and heritage interpretation. This study highlights the tension between 'imported Buddhism,' driven by international resources, and the sense of alienation felt by locals, threatening Lumbini's vitality as a cultural hub. Fieldwork conducted in December 2019 analyzed visitation patterns and tourism management complexities, revealing how this dual perception hinders sustainable development.

Shinde, K. (2021). “Imported Buddhism” or “Co-Creation”? Buddhist Cultural Heritage and Sustainability of Tourism at the World Heritage Site of Lumbini, Nepal. Sustainability, 13(11), 5820. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115820