"In Nepal, calls for reform grow louder in buffer zones", 27 March 2026

… Nepalis such as Pulami live in the ‘buffer zone’ — a designated ‘protective layer’ for national parks where local people’s collection and use of natural resources are governed by separate laws and regulations.

The villagers are demanding an urgent overhaul of the program to address human-wildlife conflict, access to resources, excessive bureaucratic power of park wardens, chronic infrastructure deprivation, and growing economic injustice…

… Conceptually, buffer zone forests are co-managed by local people and the protected area authority. This means that forest user groups, unlike their counterparts outside of buffer zone areas, don’t have full freedom to use or sell forest resources. They must do so under their operational plan, which needs to be approved by the authority.

In return, they get benefits such as better protection of forests and wildlife and support from authorities. So, the tradeoff is that people give up some control and decision-making power but gain a healthier environment and long-term advantages for their community.

… But critics of the program argue that the tradeoffs are heavily stacked against the community members with resident communities paying a heavy price for conservation while a limited group of people reap benefits from it…

… Human-wildlife conflict is a pressing issue for communities living in Nepal’s buffer zones, as evidenced by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) data, wildlife attacks resulted in 19 deaths, 53 serious injuries and 50 minor injuries across Nepal …

… The other issue that has contributed to the buffer zone program’s unpopularity is its restrictions on infrastructure. Strict conservation regulations significantly limit the development of essential public services, leaving residents without reliable roads, electricity or safe transport routes….

Over the years the share of revenue to the buffer zone committees has declined…

Challenges aside, tourism activities in buffer zone areas have helped many people improve their livelihoods through homestays, hotels and restaurants. However, affected residents say these benefits are minimal compared to the losses and damage caused by wildlife…

Residents of buffer zones have been visiting Kathmandu to advocate for reforms…