SWAN's Ecotourism Initiative in Baglung District of Nepal

During Visit Nepal Year 2011, the Government and the Tourism Industry has put more emphasis on rural tourism as a development tool. An NGO, SWAN has worked for the promotion of eco tourism in its project areas of Baglung district. The ecotourism program aims to develop a model village tourism and eco trekking route to conserve the cultural and natural heritage and uplift the socio‐economic status of the rural community people. In the long run this eco‐tourism program is expected to bring attitudinal changes in the minds of local community people as well as international visitors whereby both of them will become aware of the fragile cultural and natural environments for sustainable use.
The main concept of Ecotourism is also to make tourism a tool for development. Wherever possible, we employ the villagers, buy local products, and offer village ‘home stay’ ccommodation, which makes visitors experience unique, as well as maximizes the benefits from tourism for the host communities.

A VDC level tourism development committees are formed in 4 vdcs and they are in Narayansthan, Paiyupata, Amalachour and Bhakunde. The main tasks of these committees are to create conducive environment for the promotion of eco tourism. These committees also coordinate with concerned district and central officials to develop infrastructure for tourism and declare Balewa as Alternative Tourism Destination in Baglung.
Workshop
A one‐day workshop program was organized by SWAN with the funding and technical support of travel‐tonature Asia Pvt and Eco Trip Nepal Treks & Expedition. This workshop was conducted in Narayansthan VDC organized to create awareness on Eco‐Tourism in Narayansthan, Paiyunpata, Amalachaur and Bhakunde of Balewa area.
The workshop program targeted to introduce these VDCS as tourism destination. In the workshop under the topic “Balewa Area Tourism Prospects and Challenges” an interaction and discussion was made in the floor. The workshop has participation of local leaders of four VDCS representatives of hotels located in Baglung and Parbat districts, teachers, women group representatives and representatives of 4 VDCs.

For details contact the President of SWAN, Krishna Karki at email: karkikrishna1966@hotmail.com.