Do Buffer Zone Programs Improve Local Livelihoods and Support Biodiversity Conservation? The Case of Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Buffer zone programs at Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, primarily benefit local livelihoods and social welfare but fall short in addressing wildlife conservation conflicts. Despite legal provisions for compensation, traditional practices like 'Nawa' animal rearing and feral dog control remain overlooked, leading to a gap between policy intent and implementation. The study, spanning 2002–2016, identified 99 buffer zone activities, with 42% of park funds allocated to community development and only 22% to conservation and conflict management. This imbalance risks undermining the original purpose of buffer zones, which is to balance livelihood improvements with biodiversity protection. The findings underscore the need for policy updates that prioritize conflict management and integrate traditional practices to ensure sustainable coexistence between communities and wildlife.

Silwal, T., Devkota, B. P., Poudel, P., & Morgan, M. (2022). Do Buffer Zone Programs Improve Local Livelihoods and Support Biodiversity Conservation? The Case of Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal. Tropical Conservation Science, 15. https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829221106670