Pastoralism and Rangeland Management on the Tibetan Plateau in ...

Mustang. This definitely provides the additional leisure time needed for
the side trips, so tourists can find new experiences.
(vi) Incorporate herders into tourism
At the very beginning of tourism in Upper Mustang, most of the
herders did not know about the importance of tourism <strong>and</strong> its potential
impact on the local economy. Through several generations of awareness
programmes geared towards the herders, they have began to underst<strong>and</strong>
the importance of tourism <strong>and</strong> its linkage with resource conservation,
along with wildlife protections. Currently, some of the local herders,
<strong>and</strong> even a few nomads, have shown a keen interest to run small tea
shops <strong>and</strong> restaurants while also tending to their livestock herds.
6.1 Concept <strong>and</strong> Strategy
The government, as well as concerned organizations, should focus on the
promotion of tourism by diversifying the benefits to even the poorest of
the poor groups, along with the local herders. The NTNC strategy <strong>and</strong> the
ACAP <strong>Management</strong> plan, focus on the promotion of ecotourism through the
optimum use of the available resources <strong>and</strong> with the greatest diffusion of the
benefits, so that the poor people also feel the economic benefits of tourism. The
NTNC-ACAP is still stressing promoting tourism through its annual planning
<strong>and</strong> the implementation of ecotourism programme activities, such as providing
trainings on tourism management, cooking <strong>and</strong> baking, renewable energy
technology to serve tourists <strong>and</strong> additional trainings. It has also supported
awareness programmes <strong>and</strong> exposure visits to enhance herders’ capacities.
6.2 Challenges <strong>and</strong> Constraints
Remoteness, harsh climatic conditions <strong>and</strong> seasonal migrations are the major
challenges being faced for sustainable livelihoods for the local people. Apart
from this, the fragile nature of the area, limited resources <strong>and</strong> cultural vulnerability
are some of the major challenge being faced for tourism promotion in
the area. These problems can be minimized <strong>and</strong> overcome through the careful
planning of tourism, with more focus given to ecotourism promotion <strong>and</strong> a
focus on the resource conservation of the flora, fauna <strong>and</strong> culture.
7 Conclusion
Upper Mustang has good share of rangel<strong>and</strong>s in relation to other spatial uses
<strong>and</strong> still has a good number of local herders. Drying <strong>and</strong> changing climatic
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> > > 3. Eco-tourism <strong>and</strong> Nature Protection in Relation to <strong>Pastoralism</strong> <strong>and</strong> Rangel<strong>and</strong> <strong>Management</strong>