Bhutan

Pilot Community-based Nature Tourism in Nabji-Korphu Trail, Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park

For a large number of people dependent on forest, biodiversity conservation is often a secondary concern to eking out a livelihood.  However, Community-Based Tourism has been an eye-opener forthe local communities in Nimshong, Nabji, Korphu, Kubdra, Phumzur and Jangbi villages within the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.  The Nabji Trail provides an avenue for promoting greater awareness, appreciation and protection of natural and cultural resources both amongst the locals as well as the visitors that will allow the tourism growth to be sustainable. 

The Royal Government has given major emphasis in the development of tourism industry in the 9th Five Year Plan (2002-2007).  The plan aimsat creating a vibrant and dynamic industry making significant contribution to national development goals and to be a positive force for the cause of environmental conservation, promotion of culture and tradition.  Recognizing the potential of tourism to contribute to socio-economic opportunities, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has outlined areas of concern such as lack of new products/trek routes, extreme seasonality, lack of community participation, low and uneven standard of tourist accommodation, lack of private sector investment and lack of clear policy guidelines and other related legislation.

The community tourism is essential not only to address some of the issues of 9FYP, but also for sustainable use of natural resources and cultural assets, mitigation of the burden imposed on the natural environment, extending education on environment conservation and the development and promotion of tourism to ensure the local communities reap the socio-economic benefits.

The Nabji-Korphu Trail is a six day trekking trail being owned and managed at the ground by the respective Tourism Management Committee (both male and female representatives of each six villages).  The area is rich in cultural resources that document the early history and development of Buddhism in Bhutan.  Another facinating aspect of the trail is that it goes through Jangbi and Kubdra inhabited by the Monpas - believed to be the first inhabitants of the country and still most backward - living in poor economic and backward conditions.  No doubt! the trail offers exotic appeal for nature lovers. 

The endangered species such as the golden langur and rufous-necked hornbill can be observed besides common mammals, reptiles and birds (around 100 species).  It also perfectly builds on the two successful SGP projects namely "Cane and Bamboo" and "Orchid Sanctuary/Park" implemented by the Monpas.