Chitwan nature guides playing role in conservation

Chitwan, July 16: Asmita Mahato has a deep, emotional connection to the forest of Chitwan, viewing it as a picture of her late father. Her father, a dedicated elephant rider, passed away a few years ago, leaving an emptiness in her life. 

Mahato, now 23, from Ranapa-6 Bachhauli, Chitwan, started as a professional nature guide in 2019. During her childhood, the forest was a place of fear for her. However, after her father’s passing, the forest transformed into a sacred space that held the essence of her father's spirit.

This deep attachment drew her to the path of becoming a nature guide. “When I walk through the forest, I feel my father's presence in every step,” Mahato shared, tears glistening in her eyes.

She guides both male and female tourists through the forest, but sometimes female tourists specifically request for a female guide. During those times, Mahato takes only female tourists into the forest.

Asmita Chhetri, another nature guide, began her journey in 2019 to fulfil her dream of becoming a professional nature guide. She was participating in a seven-day advanced nature guide training with the permission of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), to learn more about the updated laws and policies regarding the forest and wildlife.

Chhetri, 26, grew up amid the forests of Chitwan. With family members already involved in nature guiding, it was a natural and easy transition for her to enter the profession.

She narrated an encounter with a tiger, explaining that she remained calm because she understood the animal's behaviour. “Tigers are shy creatures, they don’t attack unless they feel threatened by us. So, it did not harm me,” she said.

She now understands that the forest in Chitwan is home to many valuable creatures and ecosystems. She recognises that the entire forest is intricately connected to the livelihood of the local people, providing sustenance and support to many families in the area.

Buddhi Bahadur Bamjan, a nature guide from Piple, Rapti-1, emphasized the vital connection between the forest and livelihoods. “The forest is everything to us in nature guide and hotel business in Chitwan. We do not just guide tourists, we also strive to conserve this generous natural environment for ourselves and future generations,” he said.

Tika Ram Giri, a senior nature guide and a trainer, was leading a field trip for nearly 33 participants including two women in the advanced nature guide training. He stressed the importance of regular advanced training for nature guides, stating that they need updated knowledge about species, forest laws, and policies to effectively perform their duties.

During the field trip on Friday morning, Giri and his team spotted 76 species of birds, two rhinos, one male Royal Bengal Tiger, and four types of deer, as well as monkeys and crocodiles.

To become a nature guide, candidates must be residents of the buffer zone areas and consumers of its resources. Selection is based on these criteria, ensuring that guides have a deep connection to and understanding of the local environment, Giri said. 

There are over 1,500 registered nature guides in Chitwan, with about 600 actively working, Giri informed. Among these, only 40 women are registered as nature guides, and only a few are currently working.

“Without conservation, our livelihood is unsustainable. The role of a nature guide extends beyond tourism, it encompasses conservation and promotes sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

According to Giri, “The training incorporates valuable local indigenous knowledge, with plans for advanced sessions that delve deeper into culture and indigenous practices, led by cultural specialists.”

Dr. Madhu Chhetri, chief at the NTNC Chitwan, highlighted that nature guides in Chitwan play a crucial role beyond guiding, they actively contribute to species conservation. “In the past, nature guiding was predominantly male-dominated, but recently, there has been a positive trend with more women showing interest in nature guiding and elephant riding,” he noted.