Chitwan National park

Chitwan National Park_Kalpana
Abstract: This paper highlights sustainable and effective biodiversity conservation in Chitwan National Park. CNP protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for present and future generations, exclude exploitation or occupation inimical to the purpose of designation of the area, and provide a foundation for spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities. Nepal has adopted a community base approach to conservation management, including sharing of revenues from protected areas with local people living in the buffer zone around protected areas. The aim is to mitigate conflict among human and wildlife. This paper objective is to discuss the policies tried and implemented. New challenges, issues, solutions tried and recommendation for the Chitwan National Park. This paper also include Buffer zone management, sustainable development, biodiversity ecosystem services, REDD and climate change with PA. This paper discusses the evolution of conservation policy for buffer zone on Nepal. The efforts to put policy into practices are examined for empowerment and equity in benefit sharing and gender issues. Chitwan National park was study with help of field visit, direct observation, interviewed with officers of National Trust for Nature conservation, Sauraha. Beside this I reviewed many brochures, articles, annual reports, CBD report, magazines publish by DNPWC and also unpublished report from Biodiversity Conservation Center, Sauraha Chitwan.
Objective: To ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in natural ecosystem for present and future generation.To know the species richness and study habitat of flora and fauna.
Conclusion:The park is one of the glorious recognition of the country and full of varieties of natural resources thereby maintaining its potential to meet needs and aspirations of the present and future generation. Well destination for tourism and ecotourism.
Key words: community based conservation, biodiversity, buffer zone, Nepal, protected areas.

Introduction
Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal and declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. The area of Chitwan National Park is 932 sq km2 and the area of buffer zone is 750 sq km2.The site code of the park and buffer zone is 805 and 303694 respectively. It has had been administered and governed through the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973.

The park is situated in the south central Nepal.in the subtropical lowland of the inner Terai. The Park consists of a diversity of ecosystems, including the Churia hills, ox-bow lakes, and the flood plains of the Rapti, Reu, and Narayani rivers.
A tourist destination famous for exotic fauna such as the Greater one-horned rhino, tiger, bison, gharial, migratory birds and elephant and crocodile breeding centers. The Ranital and Bishazari Tal (Lakes),Narayani and Rapti rivers, and other wetlands, and Bikram Baba’s temple, the Valmiki Ashram and other cultural sites are also found here. The numbers of faunal species found in the Park include 58 mammals, 539 birds, and 124 fish species. Thirteen species of mammals, six species of birds, and three species of reptiles are considered endangered and protected under Appendix I of NPWC Act 1973. The mammal species symbolic of CNP are the Greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), and Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus) (DNPWC 2001a) Nine hundred and nineteen species of flora are estimated present in the Park, including endangered species such as the Tree fern, Cycas, Screw pine and several other orchids (BPP 1995)

Project Area: Fig no.1 Chitwan National Parka and Buffer Zone community forests CNP BZ

Problems, Issues and Challenges in conservation of CNP:
Major problems in CNP are habitat loss and fragmentation, Alien and invasive species in wetlands, grasslands and forests are creating serious problem to the park management ,for example Mikania Macrantha has cover 30% land of the national park which deplete of natural resources, poaching and illegal wildlife trade, pollution of water, Due to deforestation and unmanaged watershed in the upper part of CNP, flooding is occurring each year and illegal timber harvesting, haphazard and unmanaged tourism and climate change are the major problems.
Major Issues in CNP are illegal harvesting of bio-resources (plants, fishes and birds), Illegal entry and encroachment into the forest not fully controlled and vulnerable to poaching of large mammals like rhinoceros, tiger . Pollution of water due to municipal wastes and agricultural runoffs (nutrients and pesticides).Due to invasive species swamps and grasslands are being degradation which impact negatively to the rhino population. CNP have started to allocate incentives on CDM e.g. Biogas plant and solar panels. It is for reducing carbon emission and to save the environment. For this purpose, they get soft loan from bank in which government and buffer zone management subsidizes an effective amount. One needs registered land and its certificate to get the loan .This opportunity is now to enjoy only for land owning poor but not land less. So limited alternative energy resources for low income people. Due to modernization, indigenous people Tharu are deteriorating their religious culture which will be the problems in tourism activities. Degradation of wildlife habitat by excessive extraction of fuel woods by hotels and the grazing by their elephants inside the park. Pollution of water due to municipal wastes and agricultural runoffs (nutrients and pesticides) and inadequate garbage management system and the release of washing detergent in the river system by hotels but poor indigenous fishermen are blamed of the environmental problems. Research shows the biodiversity loss in the Narayani River is mostly by habitat destruction due to chemical and waste pollution. People living around protected areas, women, indigenous people and all other marginalized groups of the buffer zones were not satisfied and accessible for all facilities. Different acts, regulations and institutions are emerged in this course to improve the participation and decision making of the system on behalf of the people mostly women, poor and marginalized groups but in laws only. Most of the conservators are from so called upper class, caste, males by gender and west certified or trained. They think that nature could maintain if these problematic people surrounding parks hadn’t disturbed. In Chitwan National park, grass land is reducing. Tigers, Rhinos, Gaurigai etc are in more crisis due to habitat destruction and poaching. Proper mitigations aren’t applied. About 90% of the matured Gharial crocodiles are found to be lost last year although a lot of fund was used to apply ex-situ conservation measures. They are explaining the amount (30-50) % allocated to the buffer zone development but changes found aren’t studied. Those fund receivers are not happy. These issues are social and political if not addressed properly the objectives remain unachievable. The local, indigenous people are not problematic themselves they are made like that by the mainstream behaviors.
Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage property since 1984 and one of the last surviving examples of natural ecosystems of the Terai region, faces many challenges. Maintaining balanced relationship between the park and the people has been one of the continuous challenges. Convincing local, indigenous , marginalized people about conservation of biodiversity is challenging. There is a clear lack of awareness at community level and make them aware is also challenging work. Communities living in the buffer zone around the park are playing an important role in its maintenance generating employment and income, but have also to deal with constraints that come with the World Heritage character of the site. Limited access and electricity supply in the Madi valley are facing various challenges for examples their crops are eaten by wild animals and while collecting fodder and fire woods they are attack by animals also. Chitwan National Park meets three criteria for the World heritage natural properties. The park is an outstanding example of geological processes and biological evolution as the last major surviving example of the natural ecosystems of the Terai region. The research on the natural history ecosystems of the area has been an important contribution to man’s knowledge of ecological systems in the Terai and challenges are to maintenance its properties.

Facilities
The park offers interesting sites and activities. The at the visiter centres at Sauraha provide fascinating information on wildlife and conservation programs .The women’s user groups souvenir shop offers a verities of handicrafts and other local products for gift. Elephant safari provides opportunity to get a closer view of endangered one horn rhinoceros. Elephant breeding centre in Khorsor sauraha gives information on domesticated elephant. The museum at Kasara , the park headquater, has Orphan animal centre and informative display . Bikram Baba, a Hindu religious is near by HQ. A short walk (1km) from park HQ there are Gharial Breeding Centre, Vultures conservation centre and Turtle Conservation centre.

Solution: Major Activities in CNP
Habitat Conservation and Management: Habitat management is an essential prerequisite to conserve and manage wildlife. Various efforts are on to manage wildlife habitat aiming to conserving the endangered species. Protection of natural habitats, creation of waterholes, wetland management and restoration, grassland management, clearing shrubs and uprooting of sapling are some of the specific activities. Padampur inhabitants are totally evacuation for grassland as extended habitat for rhinoceros and other ungulates. Promote the area as a prime wildlife viewing site.
Species Conservation and Monitoring: In CNP there are various conservation and breeding centers to conserve birds and animals and monitoring is also regular for examples Gharial Breeding Centre Turtle Conservation centre etc.
Anti-Poaching Activities: Different INGO, NGO, CBO, National park staff, army, volunteers and even local people are against poaching. One of the biggest successes of the TAL project has been its ability to mobilize local people to take up active voluntary conservation work and change their attitude towards poaching.
Buffer Zone Management: Buffer zones are defined as peripheral zones of protected areas. The propose of buffer zone is to protect the environment, conservation of nature and prevent violence. Objective of buffer zone is to promote participatory conservation. To developed self reliance on daily need forest products of buffer zone communities. The surrounding buffer zone provides for human uses such as farming or settlement while protecting the core ie park. To manage and minimize wildlife causes vulnerability in local communities and to promote livelihood through community development and income generating activities in buffer zone. In CNP 50% revenue is gone to buffer zone communities for natural resource management and community development.
Conservation Education: 10% allocated budget is gone for conservation education in CNP. Eco club, school conservation activities, study tour, awareness campaign and conservation extension are implemented to brings all sectors of the communities in the main stream of conservation. Cultural and Religious Site Conservation: There are a number of religion-cultural sites in the park and the buffer zone of CNP. Some of the renowned ones are Bikram Baba, Godak Baba, Panch-Pandav, Balmiki Ashram, Siddha Baba, Someswor Kalika, Shiva Linga, Baikuntha Baba, Sita-Mai, Kalika and so on. Of them Balmiki Ashram has especial significance not only due to its high spiritual and archaeological value. Renovate religious sites to provide better protection, and coordinate with the Department of Archaeology for investigation, excavation and maintenance of the religious sites
Infrastructure Development: A number of hotels, resorts, and lodges have also been managed outside and inside the national park. Targeting the upcoming Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY 2011) national campaign, over a half-dozen tourist standard hotels are launching in Sauraha. Some regular activities like construction and maintenance of road, bridge are being carried out in park.
Eco tourism promotion: CNP is major tourists’ destination. There are various places like conservation and breeding centres. Various activities such as jungle safari, jungle walk jungle drive, domestic elephant safari boating, night stay at machans etc have been provisioning. Huge amount of budget is allocated to promotion of Eco-tourism. A study indicates that 1832 personnel (skilled and unskilled), 137 elephants, 104 motor vehicles, view tower are also building in national park for tourist to watch wildlife at nignt,71 carts, 10 boats, 2 camels and some horse carts are in operation for the delivery of better services to tourist.


Achievements
The primary biological achievements of CNP are:
Subsequent to complete evacuation of 11,208 human inhabitants of Old Padampur VDC in 2004, this 17.82 km2 area has excellent potential for tourism development and is prime habitat for about 100 rhinos(CNP Management Plan 2000).
Continual rehabilitation of an estimated 50 ha of grassland, and two wetlands every year
since 1996 Restoration of Devital and Lamital wetlands in CNP.
Successful translocation of rhinos from CNP to BNP and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
Notable increase in tiger population from 46 in 1977, to 110 in 1995 (DNPWC 2001) in 2000, 60 were adult out of 109, 91 adult (147) in 2008 and 125 tigers are founds in 2010.
Initiation of radio collaring of tigers, rhinos, sloth bears, and some ungulates in the early period of park management; radio collaring of the tiger was initiated under the tiger research work supported by the Smithsonian Institution, America.
The camera trap and pug marks method of tiger monitoring was being implemented from 2008 to 2009.
Significant increase in gharial (>500), and sloth bear (about 250) populations (DNPWC
2001c).
The Park is recognized as a major element in the Tiger Conservation Landscape by the Global Tiger Forum.
3 Rhinos were fitted with GPS radio collar in Icharni and Bhimpur area of Eastern Sector of CNP between 21th and 25th poush 2066.The collared rhinos will be study to investigate the effects of invasive plant species like Mikania Macrantha.

Conservation Trials, Trends, policies implemented in Nepal.
The era of modern conservation in Nepal began in the 1950s, with the overthrow of the Rana regime, the former hereditary prime ministers, and the restoration of the monarchy. The late King Mahendra, the father of the current monarch, assumed the throne in the mid-1950s, and the first wildlife law was published in Nepal in 1957 (HMG 1973, 1977a). This law offered legal protection to rhinos and their habitat. In 1964, a rhino sanctuary was declared by royal decree in Chitwan National Park, and a special guard force, the Gaida Gasti (Rhino Patrol), was also created that year. This time period coincided with the malaria eradication program, financed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with the aim of eliminating malaria from the Terai: People inhabited Nepali lowlands. Malaria eradication brought mass migration of people in need of land from the densely populated middle hills of Nepal and the plains of India. This was followed by rapid clearance of sal (Shorea robusta) forests, and decline of wildlife populations in Chitwan Valley, formerly a royal hunting reserve, thus providing the impetus for King Mahendra's conservation.
By the late 1960s, King Mahendra supported the beginning of a long-term wildlife project to address conservation issues in the entire country, with the help of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Project began in 1973 (UNDP/FAO 1973). The broad goals of this project included the effective management and conservation of wildlife and their habitats. But now different NGO and INGO are involved for the conservation of protected areas.
Policy implemented in Nepal
National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 (Fifth Amendment 2005)
Buffer Zone Regulation 1996
Chitwan National Park Regulation 1997
Wildlife farming, reproduction and research policy
Long-term policy and action plan for APO:
Anti poaching operation and park protection is the fundamental function of all park staff in CNP. All park staff should be made aware of the rationale of anti-poaching responsibilities. There should be a regular interaction programme (quarterly) to reinforce the team spirit among and between the staff of CNP, and the protection unit of Nepal Army.
The APO is supported also by local people and the CBOs in the BZ. Community Based Anti poaching Operations (CBAPO) are showing signs of success in protecting wildlife. Support to CBAPO through BZ committees and other conservation partners would need to be persuaded in the APO policy framework.
Handover of the management of protected areas: The policy regards to the management of national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas for NGO or other organizations was approve by the government on 15 August 2003.
Policy on wildlife farming: The working policy on wildlife farming, breeding and research 2003, approved by the government on 28 August 2003 was design to implement policies that improved the living condition of women, poor and disadvantage group society through conservation biology.
International convention and treaties: Convention on Biological diversity at the Earth Summit (1992) in Rio, Nepal develops a Nepal Biodiversity strategy in 2002.
Protected sites: As authorized by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Acts, in the response to international conventions and treaties, the Government of Nepal has established a network of protected areas.
Recommendation: There should be the strict enforcement and application of the law for the conservation practices.
The conservation programs will work only if the basis needs of the local people are met, which include being able to grow enough foods, effective health care and basis education. Once these basis needs are met, local people may be responsive to conservation among the concerned agencies and projects.
Emphasis will be given to an effectively use the research and training centers for the park to regularly train staff and local communities in integrated landscape conservation and management.
Conclusion: Chitwan National Park is one of the glorious park of the country and ecosystem of CNP enhanced in sustainable way. And enhancing the poverty alleviation and economic and social development of that areas.