Enhancement of feasibility and opportunities of ecotourism development around Jagdishpur Reservoir, Nepal

The study on Jagdishpur Reservoir, Nepal's largest artificial lake and a key wetland, evaluates its potential as a sustainable ecotourism destination.Situated near the Lumbini World Heritage Site, the reservoir is rich in biodiversity, especially its avian population, with a Simpson diversity index of 0.73519, indicating high species diversity. In addition to bird watching, the area offers scenic lake views, cultural homestays, and proximity to significant historical and cultural sites, including Sagarhawa, Tilaurakot, and the Araurakot Asoka Pillar, enhancing its tourism appeal. Data collection included bird surveys, household and visitor questionnaires, interviews, and mapping tools. Both locals and visitors strongly support ecotourism development, seeing it as a means to improve livelihoods and foster community development. Bird watching emerged as the most preferred activity, followed by lake-related attractions and scenic beauty. Despite its potential, challenges such as inadequate tourism infrastructure, poor marketing, and limited guest management skills among locals pose barriers to growth. The study recommends capacity-building workshops, improved infrastructure, and collaboration with commercial stakeholders to enhance promotion and marketing. These efforts could transform Jagdishpur Reservoir into a sustainable ecotourism hub that benefits local communities and supports conservation initiatives.