INGOs, NGOs and Grass-roots organizations

Various INGOs and NGOS are also
key actors for promoting ecotourism in Nepal. Some of the most important international
organizations are the World Conservation Union (IUCN), United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), the SNV Nepal, WWF Nepal, and International Centre for Integrated
Mountain Development (ICIMOD). These have been playing a pioneer role continuously in
the development of ecotourism through their various conservation and development activities
(Carlsson, 2001; Thapa, 2004). These organizations are also dedicated to enhance the quality
of tourism, which means improvement of tourism products, services and other infrastructure
and reducing negative impacts on Nepal’s natural, social cultural environments.
Besides above mentioned organizations, WWF- Nepal has also been supporting various
conservations programmes in Nepal during the last decades. Today WWF focuses on
integrated and developmental programmes that emphasize sustainable human development. It
also works to address the issues of pollution and environmental hazards. Although WWF
doesn’t have any particular ‘ecotourism projects’ in Nepal, it indirectly supports and benefits
ecotourism development.