Assigned Session: WS 3.106: Tourism(s) in Mountain Huts: Climate Change, Tourism flows, Visitor Impacts, and Sustainable Management Solutions
Protecting Nepal’s Mountain Huts: Managing Climate Change and Tourism Impacts for Sustainability
Abstract ID: 3.7708 | Pending | Poster | TBA | TBA
Anish Neupane (0)
Anish Neupane ((0) Himalayan Circuit Team Pvt Ltd, Nirmal Lama Marga, 44600, Kathmandu, Bagmati, NP)
(0) Himalayan Circuit Team Pvt Ltd, Nirmal Lama Marga, 44600, Kathmandu, Bagmati, NP
Mountain huts in Nepal play a crucial role in supporting tourism in the country’s popular trekking and mountaineering regions. However, these huts face increasing challenges due to climate change, rising tourist numbers, and the environmental impact of tourism activities. Over the past decade, Nepal’s mountain regions have seen a 30% increase in tourist arrivals, leading to significant pressure on local resources, waste buildup, and damage to fragile ecosystems. At the same time, climate change is causing unpredictable weather patterns, accelerated glacier melt, and shifting seasons, which threaten the survival of these huts and the surrounding environments. This study examines the impact of climate change and rising tourism on mountain huts in Nepal, focusing on the environmental and social challenges. It explores how tourism flows affect infrastructure, waste management, and local communities, highlighting a direct correlation between increased visitation and environmental degradation. The paper also offers practical solutions for sustainable management, such as using eco-friendly materials for hut construction, implementing improved waste disposal systems, and promoting responsible tourism practices. By analyzing examples from different regions of Nepal, the study identifies successful strategies for balancing tourism growth, climate resilience, and conservation efforts. The findings underscore the urgent need for an integrated approach that ensures the protection of Nepal’s mountain environments while maintaining the economic benefits of tourism for local communities. This study calls for collaborative action among stakeholders, including government agencies, tourism operators, and local communities, to adopt sustainable practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change and tourism. By doing so, Nepal can preserve its natural heritage and continue to thrive as a global destination for adventure tourism.
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