Biosphere reserve management in theory and practice: Case of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, India

The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) in the western Himalayas is one of the important protected areas in India. In recognition of its conservation value, it was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. The Nanda Devi west peak (7817 m), the second highest in the country, attracted a large number of mountaineers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world until 1982. However, these activities were banned in 1982 because of the serious damage these activities caused to the biological and cultural diversity of the region. In 1988, an area of 2236 km2 was designated as NDBR. The ecological and socio-economic studies conducted after the ban revealed that there has been substantial improvement in the biodiversity of the region, while from a socio-economic point of view the ban proved to be disastrous due to loss of employment associated with mountaineering activities. Additionally, the ban on mountaineering activities, and an absence of alternative employment opportunities, forced local people to migrate from the area. Perception analysis revealed a communication gap between resources users and managers and thus engendered negative attitudes among local communities towards NDBR management. The potential of integrating resource conservation with socio-economic development was responded to positively by the local people. Problems and prospects of biodiversity conservation have been discussed in the light of the above findings in the NDBR.