ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE ANNAPURNA REGION, NEPAL

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the perception of environmental impacts of tourism in the Annapurna region. The explosion in trekking tourism has upset the ecological balance and contributed with a significant impact on natural environment. This thesis has reviewed the overall picture of tourism development in Nepal, consequences of environmental impacts and creation of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. The other objective of this thesis was to find out the difficulties of environmental impact management and promote sustainable tourism for the welfare of the people and the environment of the study area i.e. Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. The theoretical part of this study focused on how an increasing tourism activity has brought positive and negative impact on environment. It was divided on four parts; these four chapters provide the detail information for facilitate and manage the environmental impact of tourism for the development of a pro-poof sustainable tourism in the study area. The empirical part of this thesis is based on qualitative research methods i.e. literature review and interview. Annapurna Region has been by far the most popular mountain tourism destination in Nepal. Tourism becomes important sources of revenue to the government. There has not been enough planning and strategic for the development of this Region. ACAP has been doing outstanding work in impact management and tourism development; still conservation and impact management of this Region are found slow. There is lack of information about protected areas of Nepal. More publication, research and marketing are needed to explore the country’s socio-bio-physical situation. The practices of sustainability must be start as soon as possible. Beside this eco-tourism and responsible tourism could be the important product for the sustainable future of the Region