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The Namche Conference: May 24-26,
2003 Participants and Presentations:
Prof. Gianumberto
Caravello, |
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G.U. Caravello ( gianumberto.caravello@unipd.it), A. M. Boselli ( milviaboselli@virgilio.it), A. Baroni ( alberto.baroni@unipd.it), P. Bertollo (Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan) Abstract: An approach to monitoring and assessing Ecosystem Health: Analysis of Tourism, Related Change and Impact, in Khumbu Valley (Nepal) The Khumbu is part of the district of Solukhumbu which includes the most outstanding peak in the world, Mount Everest, and many other peaks greater than 7000 m. In this area is found Sagarmatha National Park, one of the main tourist attractions in Nepal. A dramatic increase in tourist trekking in the Himalayas has produced positive effects such as an increase in income, but has also resulted in profound social, environmental and cultural modifications including migration, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and cultural contamination. In order to give a clear view of the environmental conditions in the Khumbu Valley, an evaluation has been made of the socio-economic, sanitary and water quality conditions using a combination of biophysical parameters, demographic and human considerations. Serious existing problems have been identified. Specifically, superficial waters showed fecal contamination in correspondence with increased anthropic pressure. The increasing abandonment of the traditional economy (agroforestry, local trading, etc.) in favour of mass tourism and related commerce has resulted in a profound socio-economic transformation. It has been concluded that more sustainable management of natural resources is urgently needed to check further degradation and to meet the growing demands of the local population.
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Email: nc@namche.info