Efforts have been emphasized to create opportunities for local tourism entrepreneurs alongside reducing human-wildlife conflict and promoting tourism. At a workshop organized by Bardiya National Park, participants highlighted the need for collaboration to strengthen the economic status of local tourism entrepreneurs. The event included local, provincial, and federal representatives, as well as young business owners from various industries.
Ramu Joshi, Executive Director of the Lumbini Tourism Development Council, stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for visiting religious and tourist sites in Bardiya. He noted the significant potential for development through tourism and mentioned plans for ‘tour packages’ to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The Council aims to enhance coordination and collaboration between provinces to increase the influx of domestic and international tourists. Joshi also pointed out the need for state protection for journalists and media involved in promoting tourism.
Member of Parliament Surya Dhakal emphasized Bardiya’s abundant tourism potential and the need for coordinated efforts among all government levels to implement special plans. He committed to facilitating necessary support from the federal government. Dhakal expressed the government’s commitment to creating new livelihood opportunities for locals by promoting religious sites, diverse customs, traditions, and local cuisine, given that Nepal is rich in tourism and culture.
Birendra Kandel, a conservation officer at Bardiya National Park, provided information about the park’s achievements since its establishment in 2010, which aimed at tiger conservation. He mentioned that the tiger population has now reached 23, but increasing numbers present conservation challenges, necessitating an increase in prey species. Kandel also discussed various tourist packages for elephant safaris, jungle drives, and trekking, highlighting the establishment of observation towers for viewing wildlife in the park.
In the joint workshop by the Environment and Rural Development Center (INRUDC) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Lumbini provincial assembly member Namuna KC stressed the need to develop the Ghabar area as a tourist destination, noting that 25,000 tourists visit annually.
He emphasized the unique blend of Tharu, Mugali, and Humli cultures in Ghabar and its attractiveness for trekking and wildlife observation due to its proximity to the park. He suggested that every hotel in Bardiya should display pictures of the national park to promote tourism.
Professor Hari Subedi from Mahendra Multiple Campus noted that while Bardiya is developing as a tourist destination, there has been a lack of professional plans for tourism entrepreneurs. He stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to promote tourism and protect the Chure region. The workshop culminated in the announcement of the “Kohalpur Declaration” aimed at creating opportunities for tourism entrepreneurs while reducing human-wildlife conflict.
