Publications
Forest Cover and Sustainable Development in the Lumbini Province, Nepal: Past, Present and Future
Between 1996 and 2016, the forest area in Lumbini Province, Nepal—the birthplace of Lord Buddha—expanded by 199 km² (2.1%), rising from 49.3% to 50.3% of the total land cover. Projections using a hybrid cellular automata Markov chain model suggest further growth: an additional 81 km² by 2026 and 195 km² by 2036, reaching nearly 51.4% forest coverage. This increase aligns with global sustainability goals, including SDG-15 (Life on Land), the land degradation neutral world initiative, and the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2031). The study, based on Landsat satellite imagery and spatial modeling, underscores the potential for forest landscape restoration (FLR) in Lumbini while highlighting the need for robust legal frameworks and coordinated policies to sustain this positive trend.
Buddhism and Tourism: A Study of Lumbini, Nepal
A complementary and positive relationship exists between Buddhism and tourism, as demonstrated by a study of the Greater Lumbini Area (GLA) in Nepal. The research reveals that promoting Buddhism enhances quality tourism, while tourism development, in turn, supports Buddhist heritage and practices. This mutual reinforcement is evident through the economic vibrancy generated by the sale of Buddha images, souvenirs, and religious paraphernalia, which attracts global pilgrims seeking peace and happiness. The study employs a contextual analysis to examine this dynamic, offering insights for planning, development, promotion, and educational purposes in Buddhist heritage sites.
Meditation Tourism, Buddhist Philosophy in Practice: A Case Study of Lumbini, Nepal
Lumbini, Nepal, holds significant potential as a global destination for meditation tourism, yet its spiritual and philosophical dimensions remain underutilized by visitors. Research reveals a disconnect between the core teachings of Buddhism—meditation and compassion—and the practices of most tourists, who often overlook these aspects despite visiting Lumbini for religious or cultural reasons. The study highlights that fostering awareness of meditation tourism could yield substantial benefits for individual well-being, social harmony, and national development. By integrating Buddhist philosophy into tourism practices, Lumbini could transform into a premier destination that not only attracts pilgrims but also promotes mindfulness and compassion worldwide.
Pre-monsoon air quality over Lumbini, a world heritage site along the Himalayan foothills
Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, faces severe air pollution challenges that pose risks to public health and heritage preservation. A study conducted during the pre-monsoon season (April–June 2013) revealed alarmingly high levels of key pollutants—PM1, PM2.5, PM10, black carbon (BC), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO)—comparable to other heavily polluted South Asian sites. Notably, coarse-mode particulate matter dominated, and emissions from both residential and transportation sectors significantly contributed to pollution, with fossil fuel combustion accounting for over half of BC concentrations. The study also identified agro-residue burning and regional forest fires, exacerbated by meteorological conditions, as primary drivers of severe air quality episodes. While a regional chemical transport model (WRF-STEM) underestimated observed pollutant levels, it highlighted the Ganges Valley as a major source of CO. The findings underscore an urgent need for long-term air quality monitoring in Lumbini to mitigate health risks and protect cultural heritage.
Does scientific forest management promote plant species diversity and regeneration in Sal (Shorea robusta) forest? A case study from Lumbini collaborative forest, Rupandehi, Nepal
Scientific forest management, specifically the Irregular Shelterwood System, significantly increases Sal (Shorea robusta) regeneration while reducing plant species diversity and evenness in Lumbini's collaborative forests. The study, conducted over managed and unmanaged blocks, found higher seedling density of S. robusta in managed areas but noted a decline in overall biodiversity metrics, such as richness and dominance indices, compared to unmanaged stands. These findings suggest that while this management approach may enhance the regeneration of the dominant species, it could negatively impact ecological diversity. The research recommends continued implementation for degraded Sal forests but calls for further long-term studies to assess its broader ecological impacts.
The earliest Buddhist shrine: excavating the birthplace of the Buddha, Lumbini (Nepal)
Archaeological excavations at Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have uncovered rare direct evidence of early Buddhist shrines predating Emperor Ashoka's third-century BC reconstructions. The study, sponsored by UNESCO, revealed a sequence of durable brick structures replacing earlier non-durable timber ones, aligning with predictions made over 70 years ago by British prehistorian Stuart Piggott. This provides unprecedented insights into the structure and chronology of the earliest Buddhist shrines, offering a secure framework for understanding their development.
Local voices on community radio: a study of ‘Our Lumbini’ in Nepal
Community radio has emerged as a powerful platform for amplifying local voices and fostering social change in Nepal, particularly in Lumbini. A study of the radio series 'Our Lumbini' reveals that community involvement in broadcasting not only enhances representation but also brings tangible benefits to listeners and producers alike. Since Nepal's first independent radio license in 1997, community radio has become a vital medium for sharing diverse perspectives, with this case study highlighting its potential to bridge gaps between local communities and broader societal narratives.
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