Sustainable utilization of natural resources for socio-environmental resilience and transformation in the mountains of Nepal

ABSTRACT

Mountains of Nepal are rich in natural resources as well as shelter for many ethnic group and indigenous community. Mountain people depend on natural resources and unique landscapes to survive, to preserve a unique sense of identity, and to provide livelihoods for centuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented damage to the mountain economy given the immediate effect on ecotourism and remittance, which are the main source of income for communities in the mountains. People in mountains have been using indigenous and local knowledge for utilization of natural resources for their survival. Skilled manpower returning home from abroad can be beneficial and with the use of appropriate technology will be beneficial for those returning from the abroad due to various reasons. Sustainable harvesting of natural resources and various micro/small enterprises can be developed using the appropriate technology. These enterprises not only creates jobs but also can contribute to improve the local to national level economy. A new approach is required combining the science and engineering aspect with local communities contributing their local knowledge and practices, which can develop socio-environmental resilience-building and transformation in mountains of Nepal. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.