Participatory conservation and community forest management in Narayani buffer zone, Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Abstract

With an overall analysis of socio-economic structure of population, biodiversity status in community managed forests, equity, local people’s role in participatoryforest conservation mechanism, land use change, role of  community in biodiversity conservation was studied. The methodological tools used were questionnaires, interviews and surveys in Narayani Buffer zone, Chitwan National Park, Nepal. The study indicates poverty and lack of alternative income generating activities to be the main drivers of park resources encroachment. In terms of land use pattern, the 28 years period saw the formation of new categories of land and reductions in proportion of grassland. This loss of grassland could lead to two implications: the loss of wildlife and increased wildlife movement, especially rhino, onto the settlement areas, accelerating the risk of life and property damage to the locals. The study also indicates that majority of people depend on forest resources to meet their energy needs. Annual demand of fodder and fuel wood is higher than annual sustainable yield. Equity was merely lacking in the community forest because of lack of homogeneity (in terms of interest, capacity) and variations in socio-economic, cultural, and ethical conditions. Therefore, there is a need of upgrading implementation practice of buffer zone program to ensure equity, transparency and access to marginalized group. This research aims to link the multidisciplinary aspects of forest ecology and biodiversity with demographical structure of the population, societal structure in terms of livelihood strategies and gender as well as socio-economic equity. Similarly, closely connected factors such as change in land-use pattern that determine the role of community in participatory conservation and biodiversity conservation are also taken into consideration.