Biodiversity and conservation initiatives in Bardia National Park are aimed at maintaining the rich diversity of flora and fauna. The local community are an integral part of all local projects. Without the support of local communities, the park systems would eventually erode. Children are schooled and encouraged to be considerate of the fragile ecosystems that sustain endangered species. We know that farming (even on a very small scale), irrigation ditches, mud dams, gravel extraction from the rivers, and new buildings can impact the fragile ecosystems on the fringes of the park. This is why we have worked so hard to be considerate of the environment and utilise natural efficient systems where possible, that leave little if any carbon footprint. Ever increasing populations have raised the demands for agricultural land, which in turn raises demands for wood and grass from the forests and grassland. A perpetual balancing act is maintained between the park and some neighbouring communities. Conservation and education is critical if we are to preserve the forest for future generations. | |
| |
Recycling of materialsRecycling is a policy universally adopted by the local community where possible, mainly for economic reasons. It is also a policy that we have embraced. All of our buildings have been built using recycled materials, re-using wood, bricks and roof tiles from disused and derelict buildings in the area. Only a small number of newly baked local mud bricks and as little concrete as possible have been used. Each year for a short period, local villages, and lodges like ourselves, are allowed to go into the park and buffer zone and collect grass that is then used and sold onto the local communities as thatch for their buildings. We participate in this programme every year as we need to patch and renew thatch for our own buildings, and the process brings in much needed revenues to the local community.
|
The Buffer ZoneAdjoining the park is a buffer zone. This zone runs diagonally alongside the park border from west to south. Some 100,000 people live in and around this area, the majority of whom are Tharu. The buffer zone was created to improve the socio economic security of the communities living on the border of the park, in a way that safeguarded the resources and biodiversity of the park. This meant that locals living in zone, were involved in tha actual park management, which in turn actually improved their livlihood through the use of sustainable agriculture. The creation of the buffer zone has been a great sucess for the park, with a sweeping range of initiatives being implemented to benefit the local communities. |
| |
Local craftsWe use a wide variety of local craftspeople for a huge range of different jobs and items around the lodge. As well as the construction and thatching of the buildings themselves, we purchase locally woven rugs, mats, bamboo furniture, rope & string, and also ornamental objects. A gift shop is planned from which all proceeds will go directly to the craftspeople involved. Conservation ProjectsThere are a number of ongoing conservation and development projects at the park, but the preservation of bio-diversity is a priority. Park management and other authorities have implemented a number of interventions within the park, and we'll be happy to tell you about these on your arrival. | |
|