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The Namche Conference: May 24-26,
2003 Participants and Presentations:
Dr. Lhakpa Norbu Sherpa |
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Dr. Lhakpa Norbu Sherpa (Shegar Township, Dingri County, Tibet Autonomous Republic, China) Manager, Qomolangma Conservation Programme; email: lsherpa@mountain.org Abstract Forests and Land Use Change in Khumbu (Nepal) The paper will describe patterns of forest change in Khumbu based on land use and history. Paper will attempt to establish early settlement history and its impact on high altitude forests. The rapid forest conversion and degradation between 1750 to 1850 under pressure of subsistence herding and agriculture and subsequent development of traditional forest and pasture management systems will be established. The impacts of major events during 1850 and 1950 era including introduction of potato, increased control of the nation-state, aftermath of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in neighboring Tibet, and opening of Nepal for international tourism on forest ecosystem of Khumbu will be discussed. Sagarmatha National Park’s effectiveness in conserving Khumbu environment will be evaluated and future directions in forest resource management will be provided. |
Email: nc@namche.info