|
| |
|
Protected areas are widely held
to be among the most effective means of conserving biological diversity in situ.
The Convention on Biological Diversity defines protected areas as "a
geographically defined area which is designated or regulated and managed to
achieve specific conservation objectives." IUCN
the world conservation union defines protected areas as "an area of land and/or
sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological
diversity and of natural and associated cultural resources, managed through
legal or other effective means".
Protected area management in Nepal received a real thrust in the 1970s. Not only
protected areas came to be added, but also action on both their protection and
conservation was intensified. The first organized approach to managing protected
areas in Nepal dates back to the year 1973 by establishing Chitwan National
Park. Now, the protected areas in Nepal include nine national parks, three
wildlife reserves, one hunting reserve and three conservation areas and eleven
buffer zones covering an area of 28,998.67 sq. km that is 19.70% of the total
area of the country.
For a small country, Nepal is incredibly diverse. It has the greatest range
of altitudes of any nation on earth, ranging from the earth's highest mountains
to subtropical river plains. And as the trading ground and meeting place among
several cultures, dozens of different languages are spoken by even more ethnic
groups. In general, Nepali parks are not" untouched" environments, but have a
long history of use by humans. Many national parks incorporate grazing, farming,
wood gathering, survival hunting, and human habitation into their boundaries, as
well as tourism and trekking. These uses are not without their tensions and
their environmental stresses. But there's also something wonderful about this
close association of humans and the natural environment; a trip to a Nepali
national park always involves interacting with other cultures as well as with
the raw stuff of nature.
Khaptad :
In western Nepal. A gentle landscape of rolling plateau clothed in grasslands
and mixed forests. Known in Nepal for its medicinal herbs.
Langtang:
A wonderfully varied park near Kathmandu. Home to several
cultures.
Makalu-Barun :
Huge park encompassing several ecological zones. Some of the best mountain
landscapes in Nepal.
Rara :
Named after RaRa Lake, the largest in Nepal. Because of this park's remoteness
and high altitude, it's a challenge both to reach and to explore.
Royal
Chitwan :
In the lowland jungles. Created just in time to save the last wild Bengal tigers
and rhinos in Nepal. Take a ride on an elephant's back, then bivouac in utter
luxury or simple comfort.
Royal
Bardia : Another lowland jungle park famous for its wildlife, hiking and
rafting. More off the beaten track than Chitwan.
Sagarmatha :
Mount Everest on the right -- along with several other famous peaks. This park
features HIGH mountains, deep gorges, and amazing bird and animal life. A World
Heritage Site.
Shey Phoksundo : Largest national park in Nepal, this park takes in the Shey monastery and Lake Phoksundo. Remote and rarely visited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
