Manaslu region in north Gorkha District, has a fragile natural and cultural environment
Manaslu, a mountainous region in north Gorkha District, has a fragile natural and cultural environment. In order to conserve the unique environment and extremely rich biodiversity, a protected area status "conservation area" was given to the Manaslu region. The area was neglected in terms of infrastructure development, which has directly affected the livelihood of the people. The local people have been deprived of the benefits of proper bridges and trails. Most of the 56 villages do not have safe drinking water supply or electricity. Education and health services are almost non-existent. Since no other economic opportunities are available, they have to depend on marginal agriculture, animal husbandry and exploitation of natural resources for survival. As agriculture cannot sustain their livelihood, a high dependency on natural resources is constantly straining the capacity of the ecosystem. Tourism, due to the restricted area status of the six VDCs adjoining the Tibet Au