Buffer Zone Management Issues in Chitwan National Park, Nepal: A Case Study of Kolhuwa Village Development Committee

Rhino presence and resource dependency vary significantly within Chitwan National Park's buffer zones, with closer settlements experiencing more pronounced impacts. A study of Kolhuwa Village Development Committee found that households near the park boundary faced greater challenges in food production, fuelwood dependence, and economic reliance on external income compared to those farther away. The research segmented the buffer zone into 'Close' and 'Far' settlements based on proximity to the park, revealing distinct patterns in resource use and dependency. Households closer to the boundary also reported longer involvement in buffer zone activities. These findings highlight the need for targeted zoning strategies in park management to address intra-zone dynamics effectively.

Dhakal, B., & Thapa, B. (2015). Buffer Zone Management Issues in Chitwan National Park, Nepal: A Case Study of Kolhuwa Village Development Committee. Parks, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.2305/iucn.ch.2014.parks-21-2bd.en