Nepal came in global news for the right reason when TIME magazine put the best kept secret from western Nepal in the list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2024—100 extraordinary destinations to explore. It was no ordinary recognition for Burhan Wilderness Camps in Bardia, it was indeed a very timely and much deserving one for the destination Nepal.
Generally speaking most of the travellers choose Chitwan National Park due to the proximity and variety of options available there. Chitwan, 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.
Bardia National Park, a lush 970-square-kilometre jungle in the Tarai , has celebrated the reaching of a record-breaking 125 tigers over the last decade. Primarily inhabited by the indigenous Tharu people, Bardia is a true piece of Terai land with a richness that the river Karnali nourishes and a true wilderness. It also houses around 839 species of flora and 642 species of fauna including the one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, swamp deer, Gangetic dolphin, and over 400 bird species.
Manoj and Prabha Gautam, the co-founders of Burhan, highlighted the challenges and opportunities of wildlife tourism with the students of ACE Institute of Management last week. In an event hosted by The Lapsi Tree resort near Nagarkot in Kathmandu valley, he also shared how he managed to strike the balance between sustainability and competitiveness in general and wildlife tourism in particular.
Sustainability is all about how quality, service and longevity can go together. There have been lot of pretensions in the name of sustainability, that’s greenwashing, it’s not sustainable.
Manoj Gautam, Conservationist and former director of the Jane Goodall Institute Nepal
The key takeaways from the interaction:
Challenges of wildlife tourism in Nepal
- Environmental impact: Unregulated tourism can lead to habitat degradation, pollution, and disturbance to wildlife. Ensuring that tourism practices are eco-friendly and do not harm the environment is a significant challenge.
- Human-wildlife conflict: As tourism increases, so does the risk of human-wildlife conflict. Clear guidelines and education for tourists and local communities are essential to mitigate these risks.
- Lack of infrastructure: Many potential wildlife tourism sites in Nepal suffer from inadequate infrastructure. Poor road conditions, lack of proper accommodation, and limited access to healthcare services can deter tourists. Investment in sustainable infrastructure development is necessary to support wildlife tourism.
- Conservation vs. commercialization: Over-commercialization of wildlife tourism can lead to the exploitation of natural resources and wildlife. It is critical to strike a balance between attracting tourists and preserving the integrity of the ecosystems.
Opportunities of wildlife tourism in Nepal
- Biodiversity hotspot: Nepal has numerous protected areas, including national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas, which are rich in flora and fauna. These areas are prime locations for wildlife tourism, attracting nature enthusiasts, photographers, and researchers from around the globe.
- Economic benefits: Wildlife tourism has the potential to generate significant revenue for the country. National park entry fees, guided tours, and related tourism services can contribute to the national economy. Local communities can benefit through job creation and income from tourism-related activities.
- Conservation efforts: Revenue generated from wildlife tourism can be ploughed back in conservation efforts. Funds can be used for anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and wildlife research.
- Community empowerment : Wildlife tourism can empower local communities by providing them with alternative livelihoods. This reduces their dependence on activities that may harm the environment.
“We want responsible tourism to flourish in the buffer zone area,” says Manoj Gautam, who is committed to replicating this sustainable tourism model in other parts of Nepal.
Wildlife tourism, when managed sustainably, has the potential to play a vital role in conserving species and their habitats while significantly contributing to the local economy. The success of Burhan Wilderness Camps has renewed hope among entrepreneurs, showcasing that with the right balance between sustainability and competitiveness, wildlife tourism can be a powerful vehicle for a positive change in Nepal.
