Waste management in rural tourism

Recent research has brought attention to a concerning trend in waste studies in Nepal: a strong emphasis on urban areas while rural regions are often overlooked. The researchers note that traditionally, rural communities managed waste according to local customs and economic factors. However, with changing lifestyles and an uptick in tourism, waste management in rural areas has become increasingly complex. The research also warns that ineffective waste management practices in rural settings could worsen environmental problems.

Every year, Nepal now welcomes over a million tourists, establishing itself as a thriving destination for travelers worldwide. Tourism benefits Nepal by driving economic growth, creating jobs, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting the preservation of its rich heritage. Conversely, tourism in Nepal also presents challenges such as increased solid waste generation, as evidenced by studies conducted in countries like China, India, and Ukraine.

Now it’s not just the Nepalese cities facing solid waste management challenges anymore; rural areas are grappling with them too, especially in regions that are densely populated and popular tourist destinations. Recent studies by Adhikari and colleagues have shown a worrying increase in waste generation per person, especially in places where connectivity is improving, living standards are rising, and people’s consumption habits are changing. The lack of proper waste management facilities only adds to the problem, along with issues like local governments not fully committing to tackling the issue and inefficient decision-making processes. So, there’s a clear need for a detailed investigation into solid waste management problems in rural areas to find effective solutions.

Ghandruk, lying within the Annapurna Rural Municipality, stands as a beacon for tourists due to its breathtaking Himalayan vistas, diverse cultural heritage, and renowned hiking trails, notably along the path to Annapurna Base Camp. Department of Immigration data reveals that out of 83,568 foreign trekkers in Nepal in 2015, a staggering 78,926 chose to explore the Annapurna Conservation Area, highlighting the economic importance of tourism to Ghandruk.

While tourism has undoubtedly brought economic benefits to Ghandruk, contributing significantly to its social, economic, and environmental landscape, there are notable drawbacks, particularly concerning solid waste management. Mass tourism has aggravated the fragility of the mountain environment, leading to instances of environmental degradation, including the accumulation of solid waste. This issue is particularly pressing in rural tourist areas like Ghandruk, where inadequate waste management infrastructure and practices pose significant challenges to environmental sustainability and eco-tourism.

The recent research, titled “Solid Waste Management in Rural Touristic Areas in the Himalayas—A Case Study of Ghandruk, Nepal,” published in Habitat International in Jan 2024, aimed to highlight the gap in waste management studies. It conducted the first-ever waste characterization and analysis of existing solid waste management (SWM) practices in the rural tourist village of Ghandruk, situated in western Nepal. The research studied 64 households and 15 commercial sectors (hotels and restaurants). Waste from each household and commercial sector was examined over two days to quantify waste generation, with methodologies adapted from previous studies. Semi-structured questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs) were utilized to gather qualitative data on household characteristics, waste management practices, awareness of waste management issues, and satisfaction levels. Geographic information system (GIS) software was used for mapping, while descriptive statistics and statistical software were employed for data analysis.

What did the researchers find?

Households in Ghandruk produce 21.3 grams of solid waste per capita per day, while commercial sectors generate 240 g per capita per day. The composition of solid waste in both households and commercial sectors was analyzed, with organic waste found to be the most dominant component. Waste management practices in Ghandruk were examined, revealing a combination of household segregation, collection, and disposal methods. Efforts by local authorities, including the establishment of collection centers and restrictions on plastic bottle sales, aimed to mitigate waste generation and promote recycling.

Local residents expressed varied perceptions of existing waste management practices, with younger respondents showing greater concern for environmental impacts and older participants focusing on health hazards. Collaboration between the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and local communities aimed to educate residents and improve waste management practices.

The findings of the study highlighted the need for a more holistic approach to waste management. While organic waste remained dominant, there was a notable increase in recyclables like glass and plastics, indicating a shift in waste characteristics not unique to Ghandruk but possibly reflective of trends in rural tourist areas worldwide.

The daily per capita waste generation of 261.3 grams revealed by the study challenges the notion that rural areas produce negligible amounts of solid waste. This highlights the critical need to address waste management concerns in these regions, especially with the burgeoning growth of tourism.

Despite commendable waste segregation efforts, the study identified challenges such as unreliable waste collection and transfer mechanisms, posing potential hurdles in the future. Moreover, concerns regarding the handling of non-recyclable waste and frequent open burning call for systematic solutions to mitigate environmental consequences.

The implications of this research extend beyond Nepal, offering valuable insights for policymakers, operators, and regulators grappling with SWM issues in rural tourist areas globally. Recommendations include the implementation of multimodal SWM plans in collaboration with local stakeholders, including households, and incentivizing community involvement through collection fees and deposit-refund systems.

In light of Nepal’s new federal government structure, the study advocates for proactive measures at the provincial and local levels to address emerging SWM challenges effectively. By prioritizing sustainable waste management practices, rural and mountainous regions can preserve their natural beauty while accommodating the needs of growing tourism industries