Integrating Eco-Tourism for Sustainable Rural

Development

Independent Study Proposal

Brief Proposal

Submitted to:

Khon Kaen University

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters in Rural Development

Management (M.R.D.M) Program

Submitted By:

Kritika Timalsina

January 21 2016
 Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................................................................. 1

1.1. Background of the Study ................................................................................. 1

1.2. Problem Statement .......................................................................................... 3

1.3. Objectives of the Research .............................................................................. 5

1.4. Expectation of the Study ................................................................................. 6

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 Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1. Background of the Study

Rural development is the process of improving the quality of life and economic well-

being of people living in relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas. Rural

development has traditionally centred on the exploitation of land-intensive natural

resources such as agriculture and forestry.

Rural development in Nepal is a complex phenomenon involving an interaction of

economic, social, political and cultural factors. It is linked to infrastructural

development, commercialization of agriculture, proper utilization and mobilization of

resources, food security, creating opportunities, inclusive social development in the

rural community and modernization of overall society. However, achievements of

rural development efforts in Nepal are not satisfactory because of imposed

development, unstable political situation, absence of people's participation, lack of

research and political commitment.

Though traditionally the development of rural areas centred mainly on land intensive

natural resources but now the changes in global production networks and increased

urbanization have changed the character of rural areas. Increasingly tourism, niche

manufacturers, and recreation have replaced resource extraction and agriculture as

dominant economic drivers. The need for rural communities to approach development

from a wider perspective has created more focus on a broad range of development

goals rather than merely creating incentive for agricultural or resource based

businesses. Tourism, entrepreneurship, physical infrastructure, and social

infrastructure all play an important role in developing rural regions.

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Rural development is as important as urban development. Alleviating the hardships of

the rural people is fundamental to rural development. Efforts at developing the rural

areas are aimed at creating industries and employment opportunities. Any initiative

towards this end would be welcomed with open arms in Nepal. This would also

reduce the population density in the cities. They would be able to prosper in the

village itself without having to think about migrating somewhere for their livelihood.

Now the local communities in Nepal are taking a wider perspective, where they are

seeking economic growth through tourism.

Rural tourism is where people travel to the rural areas to participate and be involved

in the local communitys life. In most villages where the tourists visit, they will find

these local people very hospitable and warm hosts. This kind of treatment given to

their guests will earn them goodwill and reputation for the village, which will be

beneficial in boosting the local tourism economy. Agriculture is an important and

integral part of rural peoples lives, but rural tourism in Nepal can provide alternative

revenue in many places.

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1.2. Problem Statement

The popularity of rural tourism in recent times has not only made it a profitable

business prospect but also a popular vacation trend. This has opened the doors for

these local communities to have a sustainable economy by investing in rural tourism.

This will benefit both the developed and developing countries. Developed countries

have focused on promoting scenic locations in their towns and villages as a part of

rural tourism. The developing countries, on their part, provide the basis for a

community-knit tourism industry.

One implication of rural tourism is the negative impact it can cause and have on the

local environment. It faces criticism from certain quarters and raises the issue of

environmental conservation and protection. It has been alleged that it disturbs and

affects the people and wild habitat. Roads have to be built to reach these untouched

natural places, which can harm the environment. Another concerning issue is the

garbage and litter left behind by travellers along these rural trails.

Rural tourism may add more pressure and stress on places where the environment is

fragile and more vulnerable. These destinations may also attract a lot of backpackers,

who spend as little as possible. They are known to haggle with the local businesses for

the lowest prices. The repercussion from this is that it might cost the local community

and business more than the return from rural tourism. The local identity must also be

safeguarded and in no way should the existing culture be altered to meet the demands

and expectancy of the tourists.

Ecotourism can provide some answers to the protection and conservation of places

that entertain rural tourism. Ecotourism is a type of tourism which is intended to have

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minimal impact when visiting some the worlds most pristine, fragile and undisturbed

natural places. It involves raising funds for the local area, giving political

empowerment to the local people and educating the travellers about these places. It

encourages the tourists to be socially responsible and shows them how humans have

an effect on these places so as to make them appreciate nature and the natural habitat.

Ecotourism advocates environmental sustainability and focuses on providing an

opportunity for personal growth of the local community. It takes into perspective the

economy, culture and environment to make sure that rural tourism operates within the

local communitys capacity. Rural tourism must not affect the existing local

businesses or displace them, and it must always be authentic by maintaining the local

practices. Under no circumstance should rural tourism be a contributing factor or add

more pressure in causing climate change.

The current approach to rural development found in many parts of the world,

including Nepal, is to promote integration of different rural dimensions, including

food production, maintaining rural landscapes, protecting biodiversity, providing

employment and economic development, in a sustainable manner. Therefore, Local

partnerships are encouraged to implement locally developed policies.

This study will help to identify the major challenges that need to be addressed to

allow rural tourism to contribute to the success of sustainable rural development.

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1.3. Objectives of the Research

The following are the Objectives of this Research:

a) To create a platform to share knowledge of best practice, development

opportunities and challenges in rural areas for tourism development;

b) To facilitate the coordination of rural tourism development initiatives amongst

relevant stakeholders;

c) To identify and recommend strategic areas/nodes for tourism development in

rural areas within the sector;

d) Create employment opportunities and assist in tourism development activities

and exploration of tourist spots in the region;

e) Preserve and protect culture and cultural heritage of the region; and

f) Organize trainings, awareness programs, exploratory and research activities.

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1.4. Expectation of the Study

Through the following study I expect

1. To learn how National legislation can be placed to support sustainable rural

diversification initiatives, such as the development of leisure and cultural activities,

before such plans are promoted.

2) Enhance Local action groups and partnerships to have real power, including

financial control. These groups should not merely legitimise central government

decisions.

3) Different stakeholders typically have their own preferences for rural development,

which they are keen to promote over the interests of other stakeholders, potentially

creating conflict. An adaptive management approach can help different groups

collaborate early on in decision making processes and development plans. An

adaptive approach recognises different stakeholders requirements, is flexible, learns

from past problems and allows various policy options to be prioritised.

4) Recent initiatives to expand tourism in rural areas to be more focused on economic

rather than the potential environmental impacts and finding new ways to consider all

challenges faced by rural communities in a holistic manner.