Human wildlife conflict and policy towards coexistence in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve,Nepal

概要

報告番号

※

第

主

号

論

文

の

要

旨

Human wildlife conflict and policy towards coexistence in
the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

論文題目

（ ネ パ ー ル・コ シ タ ッ プ 野 生 生 物 保 護 区 に お け る 人 間 と 野 生
生物のコンフリクトと共生に向けた政策）

氏

名

DAHAL Nabin Kumar

論 文 内 容 の 要 旨
Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC) represents a growing source of concern for
the agro-pastoral community living near protected areas. For the sake of global
benefits

through

the

natural

conservation

and

biodiversity,

the

adjacent

community people are bearing a tremendous cost. On the other hand, many of the
rare species are at the verse of extinction due to human wildlife conflict and
retaliatory actions. To understand the dimensions of human wildlife conflict, a
comprehensive ground level study is required tha t can address the problem created
by humans and wildlife around the protected areas.
Thus, my first study examined the food security impact on adjacent
community people due to crop damage by wild animals and sought the ground level
solutions based on local people experiences. The second study explored the
problems of existing compensation, its procedures, and peoples’ perception on
compensation and coexistence. And in the third study, I analyzed the government
policy on conservation with reference to human wildlife conflict. For the first
study, data was collected through semi -structured interviews conducted with 250
households and 18 key informant interviews. My results revealed that 96% of the
respondents had experienced conflicts with wild animals, of wh ich 66% named rice
as their major damaged crop. Wild elephants were the key contributors (62%) to
this damage. To mitigate HWC, 59% of the respondents suggested the construction
of concrete walls around the affected areas. Involving the local community in the
conservation stewardship can help to reduce HWC in the protected landscapes of
Nepal.
Further, compensation for wildlife damage contributes to increase tolerance

towards wild animals and promote coexistence in protected areas however; human wildlife conflict (HWC) still has been found escalating. This study also explored
the attitudes of communities regarding wildlife damage compensation. It proposed
changes to existing compensation policies based on local consensus. For this study,
data was collected through the survey of 250 rural citizens and 18 key informant
interviews from Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur Districts near Koshi Tappu
Wildlife Reserve (KTWR). I conducted a total of 268 household surveys and direct
field observations. I acquired archival data from KTWR and the Department of
Wildlife Reserve and National Parks (DNPWR) of Nepal. Corruption, procedural
hassle, political authority misuse, and biased treatment were the main obstacles
to effective wildlife damage compensation. Most respondents suggested a rational
or scientific measurement system that evaluates the occurred damage with more
accuracy, fast-track payment, and hassle

free application procedure, and believed

that KTWR authority and the central government must take action together to
manage HWC. Households depending on subsistence farming rejected human animal coexistence whereas those engaged in other occupations accepted it and
conservation measures as well. It can be drawn conclusion that if the adjacent
community are provided with the opportunity for the alternative sources of income
and modified their traditional agriculture practice, there is much probability of
coexistence to promote conservation and protect diversity in the region.
For the policy analysis, I used old and new po licy documents of the
government, published articles, books magazines and newspapers. I concluded that
the government of Nepal has changed its policy in conservation drastically where
active public participation has been anticipated. Government started sha ring the
benefits of conservation to the local people to motivate them for conservation and
protect the natural resources for their future generations. However , there are
many issues that need to be addressed in the compensation policy and its
procedures. Through the fieldwork, I came to understand that there is conflict and
misunderstanding between reserve authority and the local community people. The
poor understanding between these two stakeholders, the conservation attempts
and the implementation of policy is not so smooth. Local community dough the
transparency and fair in compensation distribution and damage assessments.
Therefore, before compiling all the p olicies I suggest a prior socio -economic
phenomena study. And the most importantly, one national policy cannot be
effective as Nepal has clearly different geography, vegetation, species of wild
animals and various ethnic populations.