Analyzing Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics in Mountain Tourism Areas: A Case Study of the Core and Buffer Zones of Sagarmatha and Khaptad National Parks, Nepal

From 1989 to 2021, Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) experienced significant land use/land cover (LULC) changes, with notable decreases in snow/glacier and forest cover by 140.25 km² and 15.36 km², respectively, while grassland, shrubland, glacial lakes, agriculture, and water bodies expanded. Khaptad National Park (KNP) saw similar trends, with forest loss of 19.33 km² in its buffer zone—higher than SNP's—and an increase in built-up areas, indicating rising tourist activities. Climate data revealed contrasting precipitation and temperature patterns between the parks. Projections under a business-as-usual scenario forecast further forest loss (1.61 km² in SNP by 2032) and a sharp decline in snow/glaciers (22.84 km² in SNP's core zone by 2032). The study highlights the need for adaptive park management policies to address these environmental changes.

Gupta, A. (2024). Analyzing Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics in Mountain Tourism Areas: A Case Study of the Core and Buffer Zones of Sagarmatha and Khaptad National Parks, Nepal. Sustainability, 16(23), 10670. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310670