| Available from UMI in association with The British Library.; This is a study of the environmental relationships of two different village communities in the hills of Central Nepal. One of these villages, Chaubas, is situated in the evergreen oak forest zone in the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve area. The other, Syabru, is located in the pine forest zone of the Langtang National Park.; There are difficulties in reconciling the attitudes of the village peoples to nature and natural resources which are generally protective, with the claim by Western observers that these communities are responsible for widespread environmental destruction. Examining this paradox and where possible devising appropriate planning strategies were the main aims of the study.; The villagers use various forest resources, namely: fuelwood, fodder, other raw materials (such as constructional timber, dyes, oils, spices, flavourings, natural insecticides and fish poisons), medicinal plants and wild food plants. At Chaubas the supply of small-wood would be adequate if it were used entirely by the village people and not exported elsewhere. At Syabru the poor coppicing potential of pine trees sets a limit on wood production which falls below the requirements of this large village. The villagers' utilisation of tree-leaf fodder demonstrates a good knowledge of species palatability. There is, however, the danger that overstocking by domestic animals is reducing the forest area and allowing invasion by unpalatable plant species. In their use of medicinal plants, wild food plants and other raw material of plant origin, the village people show a remarkably detailed knowledge of species identity and characteristics.; Consideration is given to the question of soil erosion. Problems arise from a mixture of geological, meteorological and human factors. However, it is considered that many of these problems can be remedied by careful attention to land use. At least in these localities the overall effect of tourism is to bring benefits to both hosts and guests. However, attention needs to be given to some residual problems of sanitation and drinking water supplies.; Finally, the issue of the overall relationship between the villages and their environment is re-examined in the light of the data collected. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
