July 28, 2025

Nepal’s national parks are surrounded by buffer zones—designated areas that play a vital role in protecting wildlife while supporting local communities. These buffer zones are living examples of community-based conservation, where people and nature thrive side by side.

The concept encourages sustainable resource use, reduces human-wildlife conflict, and promotes economic benefits through eco-tourism, forestry, and agriculture. These zones act as crucial ecological buffers, maintaining habitat connectivity and minimizing pressure on core protected areas.

What Are Buffer Zones?

Buffer zones are areas adjacent to national parks and conservation areas. They act as transitional spaces where limited and regulated human activities are allowed, balancing conservation with livelihoods.

They serve multiple purposes:

  • Protect wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity
  • Provide alternative resources to reduce pressure on core zones
  • Empower local communities with conservation responsibilities and benefits

Community Involvement

Local people living in buffer zones participate in forest management, anti-poaching patrols, and eco-tourism development. Community forest user groups (CFUGs) manage resources sustainably and invest in social services like schools and healthcare.

This participatory model has improved wildlife populations, reduced deforestation, and enhanced community well-being.

Benefits of Buffer Zones

  • Enhanced wildlife protection through community vigilance
  • Reduced human-wildlife conflicts via crop guarding and compensation schemes
  • Alternative income sources from homestays, handicrafts, and guided tours
  • Preservation of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge

Examples of Successful Buffer Zones

  • Around Chitwan National Park, community forestry and tourism have created vibrant buffer zone economies.
  • In Bardia National Park, locals actively protect tiger corridors while developing wildlife tourism.
  • Langtang National Park buffer zones support sustainable trekking and conservation education.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While buffer zones have seen great success, challenges remain such as balancing development pressures and ensuring equitable benefit sharing. Continued community engagement, government support, and monitoring are key to sustaining these efforts.