A buffer zone for biodiversity conservation-Viability of the concept in Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park

A buffer zone for the Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal is considered an effective means to mitigate and contain the conflict between the park and local people. Its creation adjacent to the National Park will enable local people to engage in multiple use activities that will provide benefits not only to themselves but protect the Park’s integrity as well. Before the present survey, the majority of local people did not have any idea of a buffer zone and its potential benefits. When briefed elaborately, very few people seemed to be optimistic about its feasibility. However, following the survey, there was more optimism, and several feasible schemes were put forward. The actual planning could be aided by the interaction of local knowledge and use of an appropriate Geographical Information System (GIS). The use of GIS technology has become widely prominent in spatial modelling. It can contribute significantly to identifying and delineating a buffer zone for a protected area, taking into consideration several complex biophysical and socio-economic criteria. The interplay of these criteria in a GIS context could produce several alternatives for planning and designing a buffer zone for RCNP.