Protected and Eco-Sensitive Areas of Nepal Himalaya and Their Importance

Protected and eco-sensitive areas are essential for biodiversity conservation. Protected areas not only provide habitat for wild species and flora but also help to maintain natural ecosystems and the environment. This chapter considers the status of protected and eco-sensitive areas and their importance, opportunities, and challenges in Nepal. There are 20 protected areas in Nepal, consisting of twelve national parks, six conservation areas, a wildlife reserve, and a hunting reserve. The county’s population was 29.19 million in 2021 with 23.39% of the national area covered by protected areas and buffer zones and 44.74% covered by vegetation. With the rich status of flora and fauna, Nepal has strongly promoted biodiversity and environmental conservation alongside the development of nature-based sustainable tourism. The eco-sensitive areas are biologically and ecologically rich, valuable, and unique, as well as being largely irreplaceable if destroyed. It is therefore essential to maintain the ecological stability of the area and conserve biological diversity. The protected areas, glaciated areas, wetlands, natural lakes, and heritage sites are considered to be eco-sensitive areas. There is a distinct rich biodiversity, productivity, climate, species rarity, stakeholder valuation, topography, hazard vulnerability, and cultural and historical significance in the country’s eco-sensitive areas. The eco-sensitive areas are especially important for maintaining the country's biodiversity and ecological balance. All relevant agencies, including the government and society, need to manage the existing protected and eco-sensitive areas in Nepal, which will ensure that the biodiversity and environment of the country are conserved. It will also help to promote nature-based sustainable tourism in the nation. The government and local communities can obtain economic benefits by protecting eco-sensitive and protected areas in the country.