Community-Based Tourism and Sustainable Development in the Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park: Challenges and Opportunities
Rana, Bipana (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025112630124
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025112630124
Tiivistelmä
The thesis explores community-based tourism in buffer zone areas surrounding Nepal's Chitwan National Park in relation to achieving sustainable development. Thus, this study mainly focuses on community participation, benefits, and challenges associated with CBT, and also provides information on conservation strategies for future sustainability. This research used a mixed-method design to collect data.
For this study, 59 respondents from buffer zone communities were interviewed using a survey, and three tourism stakeholders were consulted through in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics were run on survey data to understand interview themes with the help of thematic analysis for deeper meaning.
It was observed through this research that several benefits existed with CBT, such as improved household income, new job opportunities for both young people and women, and cultural preservation, among others. However, it was also found that the awareness level of conservation-related issues was becoming higher. Though the benefits are not share equally, they specifically goes to some of the larger community businesses around the park.
The main challenges include little involvement in CBT, lack of training and marketing problems, waste impacts, and government control. The research concludes that CBT has the potential for a good livelihood and conservation sustainability. Key operational recommendations will include more inclusive participation, equitable benefit sharing, training and marketing, and sustainable governance.
For this study, 59 respondents from buffer zone communities were interviewed using a survey, and three tourism stakeholders were consulted through in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics were run on survey data to understand interview themes with the help of thematic analysis for deeper meaning.
It was observed through this research that several benefits existed with CBT, such as improved household income, new job opportunities for both young people and women, and cultural preservation, among others. However, it was also found that the awareness level of conservation-related issues was becoming higher. Though the benefits are not share equally, they specifically goes to some of the larger community businesses around the park.
The main challenges include little involvement in CBT, lack of training and marketing problems, waste impacts, and government control. The research concludes that CBT has the potential for a good livelihood and conservation sustainability. Key operational recommendations will include more inclusive participation, equitable benefit sharing, training and marketing, and sustainable governance.