Conservation Info >> Bufferzone

With the aim of assisting the national parks and reserves for the sustainable protection and conservation, and for the sustainable utilization and conservation of natural resources, the concept of buffer zone area was induced in Nepal since 1996. The essence of buffer zone is The park and the local people jointly initiate community development activities and manage natural resources in the buffer zone.

Fore and foremostly, buffer zone area of Chitwan National Park has been declared in 1996. Till now bufferzone areas have been declared in 11 national parks and wildlife reserves of Nepal. Government has made provision to provide 30-50 percent of the park revenue for community development and natural resource management in the buffer zone.

Generally, buffer zone is the area directly affected by the prohibited use of forest products of national park or reserve, area directly affected by prohibited of grazing in the national park or reserve and area directly affected by the wildlife of national park and reserve on a regularly or partially basis to crop damage.

To carry out community development programs with the local people through users, in an effective and uninterrupted manner in the buffer zone, has been induced.

To carry out local community development activities in a smooth and effective manner through peoples' participation, and to become self-reliant by removing dependency of forest products of the national parks and reserves and to create a harmonious relationship in promoting mutual co-operation between national parks and reserves by undertaking conservation oriented programs, the people living in village/hamlet/settlements/ area in the buffer zone and to organize them, Users' Group and Committee have been formed.

According to Buffer Zone Management Regulation 1996, while preparing the work plan by the user's group for their respective area on conservation of natural resources, community development and utilization of forest products, the work plan should be prepared to have separate programs and budget as follows

a) Conservation Program : 30 percent

b) Community Development Program : 30 percent

c) Income generating and Skill Development Program : 20 percent

d) Conservation Education Program : 10 percent

e) Administrative Expenses : 10 percent

While preparing work plan by the user's group, the group should prepare the work plan by calling a meeting of the members of the groups on matters relating to community development and conservation oriented programs to be conducted in their area, and collecting opinions and suggestions so as the programs and projects be selected and prepared on the basis of unanimity decision as far as possible.

The arrangement of Users' Committee has been made to function as a mediator between the users' group and the council to conduct programs through the users' groups formed in their respective areas for natural resources conservation, community development along with utilization of forest products in accordance with the Regulation and this Guideline.

While developing the work plan, Buffer zone User Committees clearly reflect community development and conservation programs of the respective area with a five year planning. They have to prepare separate programs for each fiscal year to be implemented on an annual basis. The work plan of the committee shall be the integrated with the work plan of the groups.

Buffer zone around national parks

i.) Shey Phoksundo National Park

In 1998, an area of 1349 km2 surrounding the park was declared as Buffer zone, which consists of forests and private lands, and 12000 people of Mugu and Dolpa districts from 11 vdcs live there. The Buffer zone is jointly managed by the park and local communities. Together they initiate community development activities and manage the natural and cultural resources.

ii.) Khaptad National Park

The proposed area of Buffer zone is 216 sq.km where 34000 people of 5500 families from21 different vdcs of Doti, Bajhang,Bajura and Achham districts live.

iii.) Chitwan National Park

In 1996 an area of 750 km2 surrounding the park was declared a Buffer zone, which consists of forests and private lands including cultivated lands and 2lakh 50 thousand people of 37 thousand families from Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Makawanpur and Parsa districts live there. The park and the local people jointly initiate community development activities and manage natural resources in the Buffer zone. His Majesty's Government has made provision of to provide 30-50 percent of the park revenue for community development and natural resource management in the Buffer zone.

iv.) Langtang National Park

In 1998 an areas of 420 km2 in and around the park declare as a Buffer zone. Here 60 thousand people of13 thousand families from 34 VDCs of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Sindupalchok districts live. Buffer zone management is a joint venture between the park office and the local communities. Local communities have a decision-making role in the management of such areas. Additionally, the local communities or the BZ receive 30 to 50 % of the park revenue for the better management of natural resources to ensure a sustainable supply of resources and community development.

v.) Bardiya National Park

In 1997, an area of 327 km2 surrounding the park was declared as a Buffer zone, which consists of forests and private lands and 1lakh 25 thousands people of 12 thousand families from Bardiya and Surkhet district live there. The park and local communities jointly manage the Buffer zone. Together they initiate community development activities and manage natural resources in the Buffer zones.

vi.) Rara National Park

It has the Buffer zone area about 198 sq. km. and 12 thousand people of 1100 families from 9 VDCs of Mugu and Jumla districts live there.

vii.) Sagarmatha National Park

It has the Buffer zone about 275 sq. km. and 6000 people of 1400 families from 3 VDCs of Solukhumbu district live there.

viii.) Makalu Barun National Park

The Buffer zone area is 830 sq. km. and 32 thousand people of 6000 families from 12 VDCs of Solukhumbu and Sankhuwashava districts live there.

ix.) Shivapuri National Park

This, the park in Nuwakot and Kathmandu districts has no Buffer zone area been formed.