Benefits of Ecotourism on Tharu Community in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Abstract

Ecotourism is one of the promising drivers and contributor for the world economy and has significant role in the sustainable development, economic upliftment and social benefits, which is only achievable through proper planning. Tourism also has the potential to contribute to environmental protection and poverty reduction. Chitwan National Park is the one of the preferred destinations for the visitors. “Questionnaires survey” is the method applied in the study. 40 respondents (30 local people and 10 hotel owners) were chosen randomly. Among the respondents (local people), 70% were directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector and remaining 30% were interested to get involved in tourism sector. Among 70% those who were involved in tourism sector: 30% worked as tourist guide, 20% worked as elephant riders and 20% worked as driver. The study showed that Tharu culture, Tharu museum, jungle safari, elephant safari, one horned rhino, home stay and natural beauties were the main source of tourist attraction. Chitwan National Park management provides different development funds for the local communities like road construction, school building construction, and biogas plant construction etc. 90% household have biogas plant and solar energy system for the household level use. Keywords: Chitwan National Park, bio-gas plant, ecotourism, sustainable development, upliftment Cite this Article Pradip Sedhain, Ram Devi Tachamo Shah. Benefits of Ecotourism on Tharu Community in Chitwan National Park, Nepal . Research & Reviews: Journal of Ecology . 2018; 7(2): 1–6p.