In a world rapidly leaning toward technological advancements, many seek escape in nature and its beauty. Nature-based tourism (NBT) has emerged as a way to combine exploration with ecological preservation. Beyond delivering breathtaking landscapes and memorable experiences, NBT promotes sustainability by empowering local communities and protecting natural ecosystems.
The essence of nature-based tourism
NBT focuses on activities tied to natural landscapes and biodiversity, such as trekking, wildlife observation, and eco-adventures. The natural assets of Nepalese Rasuwa region are complemented by community-led initiatives like homestays, guided tours, and handicraft sales, which enhance economic opportunities while preserving ecological integrity (Baniya 2023).
By integrating Community-Based Tourism (CBT), Rasuwa engages locals in tourism activities, ensuring economic benefits are equitably shared. Such collaboration fosters environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods (Hiwasaki 2006).
Lessons from Rasuwa district
Rasuwa District offers a variety of experiences to tourist to engage with nature as it is home to the Langtang National Park, the sacred Gosainkunda Lake and is also surrounded by the famous Himalayas that the country of Nepal is known for. Trekking trails in Langtang draw nature enthusiasts, while Gosaikunda draws spiritual pilgrims who come there to celebrate festivals and visit monasteries. These cultural and natural assets form the backbone of sustainable tourism in the region.
A major theme in the Rasuwa district is the integration of Community-Based Tourism with Nature-Based Tourism. This asks for the active involvement of local communities and requires a shift of the efforts towards aligning tourism activities with conservation goals (Han et al. 2019; Cabaguing 2024). Local festivals like Lhosar, traditional crafts, and culinary experiences enrich the tourist experience while preserving the region’s cultural integrity. This interaction between tourism and community involvement ensures that both people and the environment benefit remarkably (Acharya & Bhandari 2024).
Challenges and opportunities
Tourism in Rasuwa fluctuates seasonally, peaking in spring and autumn but declining during monsoons and winter, leading to economic instability and resource management challenges (KC 2017). Promoting winter activities and diversifying offerings, like off-season festivals or cultural workshops, can stabilize revenue year-round (Acharya & Bhandari 2024).
High tourist volumes during peak seasons strain ecosystems, causing pollution and habitat disruption, highlighting the need for waste management, stricter permits, and renewable energy initiatives. Innovative strategies, such as digital marketing and eco-friendly technologies, further enhance Rasuwa’s sustainability and appeal. (Acharya & Bhandari 2024.)
Rasuwa exemplifies how nature-based tourism can balance conservation, community benefits, and sustainable development, serving as a global model for reimagining our relationship with nature. Digital marketing campaigns and partnerships with influencers have helped attract visitors year-round. Eco-friendly technologies like solar panels and bio-gas systems reduce dependence on non-renewable resources, promoting sustainability (Acharya & Bhandari 2024).
Nature-based tourism is more than a travel trend, it is a call to reimagine our relationship with the planet. The case of Rasuwa district only solidifies how important it is for the preservation of nature and also to help the community that is built around it to reap the economic benefits of this industry. Beyond Rasuwa, the principles of nature-based tourism offer a blueprint for sustainable tourism worldwide. By prioritizing conservation, community involvement, and education, nature-based tourism can transform how we interact with nature.
Authors
Nishan Bhandari graduates from LAB’s Degree Program in Hospitality Management.
Johanna Heinonen is a Senior Lecturer at LAB University of Applied Sciences.
References
Acharya, B. & Bhandari, N. 2024. A case study of community and nature-based features as a contributor for tourism development in Rasuwa District. Thesis. LAB University of Applied Sciences. Cited 14 Dec 2024. Available at https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121636392
Baniya, R. 2023. Eco-tourism and its socio-cultural, environmental and economic aspects: A case study of Nagthali, Rasuwa, Nepal.
Cabaguing, J. M. 2024. Community needs and participation in nature-based tourism development in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. ASEAN Journal of Management & Innovation, 11(2), 15–32. Cited 13 Dec 2024. Available at https://doi.org/10.14456/ajmi.2024.6
Han, H., Eom, T., Al-Ansi, A., Ryu, H. B. & Kim, W. 2019. Community-based tourism as a sustainable direction in destination development: An empirical examination of visitor behaviors. Sustainability, 11(10), 2864. Cited 15 Dec 2024. Available at https://doi.org/10.3390/su11102864
Hiwasaki, L. 2006. Community-Based Tourism: A Pathway to Sustainability for Japan’s Protected Areas. Society & Natural Resources, 19(8), 675–692. Cited 13 Dec 2024. Available at https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920600801090
KC, S. 2017. Tourism and its impact on rural Nepal. Nepal Journal of Tourism, 1(1), 45–60.
petercolgan. 2016. Colgan, P. Nepal, lamb, sherpa, trek, girl, child. Pixabay. Cited 20 Dec 2024. Available at Nepal Lamb Sherpa – Free photo on Pixabay
