Extreme Environments Sustainability, Global Warming, Mapwork

Sustainable Tourism “World Tourism Organization (1993) defines this sustainable form as one which improves the quality of life of host communities, provides a high quality experience for the guest, and maintains the quality of environment on which they both depend. Sustainable tourism development seeks this goal at destination areas through the promotion of economic developments which conserve local natural, cultural, and built resources.” (S. K. Nepal, 2000, Tourism in protected Areas. The Nepalese Himalaya)

Nepal The mountainous north of Nepal has eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest, calledSagarmatha ( सगरमाथा ) in Nepali. It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level.[11] The southern Terai region is fertile and humid. (Wikipedia)Mount Everest[11] Annapurna Region Upper Mustang Sagarmatha National Park

(S. K. Nepal, 2000) “The importance of tourism in Nepal is underlined by the fact that it generated over $117 million in 1996, which is roughly 3.8% of the country's gross domestic product […] (HMG 1996).” “Tourism is highly seasonal: 40% arriving during October and November. The average length of stay has remained between 10 and 13 days for the past ten years.”

Case Study Nepal (S. K. Nepal, 2000) Source: “Tourism in protected Areas. The Nepalese Himalaya” by S. K. Nepal (2000)

Problems (S. K. Nepal, 2000) inequity in the distribution of wealth local inflation of essential goods & services shortage of labor in agriculture retention of economic benefits at the local level waste disposal deforestation changes in land use Changes in social & cultural practices Trail damage Problems of tourists‘ ACAP Upper Mustang Mitigation Conclusions

Participatory Approach (S. K. Nepal, 2000) Local communities involvement Willingness to protect cultural heritage

Conclusion (S. K. Nepal, 2000) SEEEP (social, economic, environmental, ecological, political) problems need management Additional challenge of remoteness of Nepal Needing to understand complexity Sees significant potential for sustainable tourism

In how far do You think Nepal can build a sustainable tourism? What is the biggest problem of Nepal’s tourism? Is tourism a good and sustainable option for Nepal to develop? Should Nepal first focus on supporting the quality of life for hosts or guests? How severe is the impact of tourism on the environment? How could Nepal solve some of the current problems?