On 25 May 1850, Jung Bahadur Rana, Prime Minister of Nepal, embarked on a historic journey, leading the first Nepalese mission to the West. Jung’s journey becomes more meaningful when we consider Nepal’s troubled past with British India.
His inaugural trip to Britain and France not only strengthened his position as an absolute ruler within his country but also laid the groundwork for diplomatic relations with the British. Jung reciprocated this gesture by extending an invitation to Edward VII, then the Prince of Wales, for a hunting expedition in Suklaphanta, the Terai region of Nepal, in 1876. This tradition of tiger hunting expeditions continued, with King George V and his party hunting a tally of 39 tigers, 18 rhinos, and 4 bears in 1911.
Supporters of the Rana regime devotedly believe that these strategic tactics were instrumental in maintaining and strengthening Nepal’s independence through what came to be known as “Tiger diplomacy”. The demise of the Rana regime in 1951 marked a turning point, altering the fate of the tiger for better, which held a sacred status among Hindus in the Indian subcontinent as the vehicle of Goddess Durga, symbolizing power, will, and determination.
Chitwan Park, once renowned for hunting holidays, underwent a transformation into a wildlife tourism destination when the visionary British adventurer Jim Edwards acquired Tiger Tops, a small hunting lodge, from two Texans in 1971. Subsequently, in 1973, the government of Nepal designated the tiger as a protected animal under the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act. The commitment to wildlife protection was further underscored in 1975 when the Nepali army was deployed for park protection.
Between 2006 and 2009, the World Bank, in collaboration with tiger range countries and major partners like WWF, initiated the “Global Tiger Initiative.” Nepal proudly announced a record number of 355 endangered tigers within its borders, nearly three times the previously known population. At the Global Tiger Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2010, all 13 countries with tiger populations pledged to double their numbers. Nepal’s successes in tiger conservation are attributed to strong government support and the enforcement of strict anti-poaching measures, alongside the growth of sustainable tourism.
Recently, the World Bank Nepal organized a national dialogue in Kathmandu, focusing on “Saving Nepal’s Tigers and Livelihoods.” This event underscored the collaborative efforts among the government of Nepal, Nepali communities, and development partners like the World Bank and WWF. The progress in tiger conservation has been a boon for the tourism industry, attracting increased numbers of international travellers to Nepal’s national parks for wildlife tourism.
While the focus has been on increasing tiger populations, the safety of local communities has been overlooked. Recently, there has been a rise in tiger attacks on people, putting their lives and livelihoods at risk. This presents a complex challenge for government agencies and conservationists who are struggling to find effective solutions to protect these communities. The increase in tiger numbers, although positive for conservation efforts, has also led to heightened risks for those living near tiger territories. As tigers reclaim their habitats, conflicts with humans have become more frequent, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address these risks.
Community engagement and locally-driven initiatives are gaining importance in conservation strategies. By involving residents in decision-making processes and implementing strategies to foster peaceful coexistence with wildlife, progress is being made towards achieving a balance between conservation goals and human well-being.
Nepal has made remarkable strides in tiger conservation, starting from the days of Rana’s tiger hunting expeditions to the present era of scaling up Nepali tourism through wildlife tourism. While celebrating these achievements, it is imperative to address the challenges posed by increasing tiger populations and ensure the safety and well-being of local communities living in close proximity to tiger habitats. Collaboration among the tourism operating sector, government agencies, local communities and development partners will be crucial in promoting Green, Resilient and Inclusive development.
