Sustainable Heritage Management through Local Community Engagement: Lessons from Lumbini
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This study investigates the relationship between tourism management practices and perceptions of cultural heritage conservation in Nepal, focusing on key heritage site Lumbini. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating quantitative surveys with 200 respondents, including local community members, tourists, and stakeholders, as well as 30 in-depth interviews with key informants. The study also utilized secondary data from policy documents and heritage management reports. Quantitative analysis revealed that 78% of the community perceived tourism as economically beneficial, but 62% expressed concerns about heritage degradation. A significant positive correlation (R² = 0.951) was found between effective tourism management practices and positive perceptions of heritage conservation, with key practices including visitor limits, conservation fees, and community engagement. However, challenges such as weak policy enforcement, insufficient funding, and commercialization of heritage sites were identified in Lumbini. Qualitative analysis underscored the need for greater community participation in heritage preservation and better coordination among government bodies. The findings suggest that while tourism can contribute to economic development, it also poses risks to cultural heritage if not managed sustainably. Stronger governance, enhanced community involvement, and improved visitor services are recommended to address these issues. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable tourism and heritage management, providing actionable insights for policymakers, heritage managers, and local communities in Nepal. These findings emphasize the need for a balanced approach to tourism that prioritizes the preservation of Nepal’s cultural heritage while promoting economic growth
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