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The Changing Ecology of a High Himalayan Valley: Challenges to the Sustainable Development of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Eastern Nepal

Author

Listed:
  • Alton C. Byers

    (Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0450, USA)

  • Milan Shrestha

    (School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5502, USA)

  • Andrew Zackary

    (Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0233, USA)

  • Elizabeth A. Byers

    (West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, 601 57th St. SE, Charleston, WV 25304-0001, USA)

  • Broughton Coburn

    (Environmental Studies Department, Colorado College, 14 E. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA)

  • Teiji Watanabe

    (Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan)

  • Mohan B. Chand

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Lalitpur 44700, Nepal)

Abstract

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) is a high mountain protected area (MPA) in eastern Nepal undergoing socioeconomic and environmental changes that are unprecedented in the region’s history. In the following paper, we discuss recent changes involving new road construction, climate change, adventure tourism, and the wildlife/forest cover/medicinal plant sectors. Our assessments are based on the collective results of past and recent field research, remote sensing analysis, oral histories, and literature reviews. While similar changes are occurring in MPAs throughout Nepal, it is suggested that the KCA differs from other regions in that it still retains the option of conducting detailed feasibility, environmental, and impact assessments prior to the implementation of major change-associated projects, particularly the construction of roads. In turn, the KCA might avoid many of the environmental, social, and economic problems experienced elsewhere in Nepal, while enhancing its status, income-generating capacities, and sustainability as a global destination for adventure, nature, and cultural tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Alton C. Byers & Milan Shrestha & Andrew Zackary & Elizabeth A. Byers & Broughton Coburn & Teiji Watanabe & Mohan B. Chand, 2024. "The Changing Ecology of a High Himalayan Valley: Challenges to the Sustainable Development of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Eastern Nepal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:6:p:2434-:d:1357405
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