Socio-economic Impacts and Attitude towards Conservation of Wetland: An Analysis from KoshiTappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

Abstract

Wetlands are the most productive and dynamic ecosystem. They are an integral part of local ecosystems, culture and socio-economic conditions. They provide subsistence for local inhabitants and habitats for varieties of flora and fauna. Among the numerous wetlands in Nepal, the study was conducted in the KoshiTappu Wildlife Reserve using a questionnaire survey. The study was focused on the people´s dependency, type of resources extracted, people´s attitude and issues on conservation. It showed that the locals depend on wetland for the extraction of firewood (33.8%) followed by reeds (26.9%) and fishing (22.4%) and were positive towards conservation. Likewise, the willingness to pay for the conservation of wetland was directly proportional to the level of education and the yearly expenditure of the respondent. The study also reveals that 45% of respondents thought human wildlife conflict and crop depredation are the major issues to be addressed for effective conservation and the support for alternative livelihood programs, education, involvement of locals in decision making, equitable sharing of benefits will encourage more, for the locals to participate in conservation activities and helps to build a positive attitude towards wetland conservation and management.