Migration in far West Nepal. Challenging migration categories and theoretical lenses

In this reply to Ronald Skeldon’s comment on their article, “Migration in Far West Nepal” (Critical Asian Studies 43 (1) 2011), the authors stress the need to overcome the categorical dichotomy between “international” and “internal” migration by thoroughly considering the conditions and characteristics different types of cross-border regimes encompass for migrants. They furthermore argue that choosing the “right” theoretical approach or conceptual framework depends on the kinds of research questions that need to be answered. By understanding migration as a social practice, the authors favor a multi-dimensional approach to migration, one that does not place economic motives over others. Ultimately, they call for a reconciliation of different—competing—perspectives on migration

Objectives of public participation: Which actors should be involved in the decision making for river restorations?

River restoration as a measure to improve both flood protection and ecological quality has become a common practice in river management. This new practice, however, has also become a source of conflicts arising from a neglect of the social aspects in river restoration projects. Therefore appropriate public involvement strategies have been recommended in recent years as a way of coping with these conflicts. However, an open question remains: Which stakeholders should be involved in the decision-making process? This, in turn, raises the question of the appropriate objectives of public participation. This study aims to answer these questions drawing on two case studies of Swiss river restoration projects and a related representative nationwide survey. Our findings suggest that public involvement should not be restricted to a small circle of influential stakeholder groups. As restoration projects have been found to have a substantial impact on the quality of life of the local population, avoiding conflicts is only one of several objectives of the involvement process. Including the wider public provides a special opportunity to promote social objectives, such as trust building and identification of people with their local environment

GOALS-JWST: tracing AGN feedback on the star-forming interstellar medium in NGC 7469

Galaxie

Die ökologische Krise im Himalaya - ein Mythos?

No abstract available

Knowledge and evaluation of the environment in traditional societies of Nepal

In the interpretation of ecological relations problems of understanding frequently occur between scientists or experts ABSTRACT educated in the West and the local population. As a basis for ecologically sound environmental planning, one that does not bypass the needs of the population, the ways the environment is perceived and evaluated must therefore also be elucidated. A line of research that sets itself the task of analyzing ethnospecific knowledge of the environment and the resulting behavior of traditional societies can be set within the context of geographical "man-environment" concepts, as well as within "studies in ethnoscience," in particular ethnoecological and classificatory approaches. Two examples of knowledge and evaluation of the natural environment are presented in the following: I) The soils in Gorkha from the perspective of the local population (Middle Hills of Nepal); II) Knowledge .and evaluation of the environment among the Chitawan Tharus: the example of the forests and grasslands (Rapti Dun, Churia Range)

Tharus and Pahariyas in Chitawan: observations on the multi-ethnic constellation in southern Nepal

Chitawan is often referred to as the "melting pot" of Nepal. An official analysis of language statistics (HMG 1993) has shown that a large number of different ethnic groups live in this southern district of Nepal, this being a rather recent development. Until the mid-20th century, the largest of the synclinal depressions in the Siwalik Range was sparsely populated. The forested, undeveloped Chitawan was a place of refuge for a group of Tharus who were probably expelled from India. While talking to the Tharus about their topical situation, the following comment is inevitably made: "Satjugi - formerly everything used to be better! Since these Pahariyas fpahar = hill, mountain] have come to Chitawan, we have been doing badly!" Such statements not only point to the apparently discordant multi-ethnic constellation in Chitawan, they also provide evidence of ethnicity - a strong identification with one's own ethnic group. Firstly, I would like to examine the past in relation to the present situation in Chitawan, which entails focusing on the historical development. In the following, the ethnic constellation and socio-economic situation of the dif- ferent groups will be dealt with so as to analyze the patterns characterizing the relationship between the Tharus and other ethnic groups

Wild animals and poor people: conflicts between conservation and human needs in Chitawan (Nepal)

Many developing countries give high priority to conservation of the natural environment as this may entail economic advantages. When declaring certain areas as strictly protected, however, conflicts will arise on a local level. These problems are exemplified through the Royal Chitawan National Park, the oldest national park in Nepal

Erlebnis- und Ökotourismus in Nepal

Traditionelle Kultur und unverbrauchte Natur - dies sind die Markenzeichen, die Touristen aus aller Welt nach Nepallocken. Wie in vielen Entwicklungsländern setzt die Tourismusbranche dabei verstärkt auf einen Erlebnis- oder Ökotourismus. Wenig ist über die Auswirkungen dieser relativ modernen Form des Tourismus bekannt, der in der Regel in abgelegene und wenig erschlossene Regionen fü̈hrt. Einerseits werden positive Impulse für die ökonomische Entwicklung peripherer Regionen erwartet, auf der anderen Seite jedoch stehen die negativen Begleiterscheinungen, die gemein- hin mit den Schlagworten Zerstörung der traditionellen Kultur und der Natur (cultural and environmental pollution) zusammengefaßt werden, im Kreuzfeuer der Kritik