Solid Waste and Water Quality Management Models for Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal

Abstract

Solid waste and water quality have become major environmental problems in recent years, especially in developing countries (Cointreau 1982; Pokhrel and Viraraghavan 2005; Markandya 2006). Concerns regarding solid waste in the Himalaya are growing, especially in densely populated areas, not only because of the increase of waste caused by rapid urbanization, a growing population, improved living standards, and changing consumption patterns, but chiefly because of the lack of an efficient waste management system (Alam et al 2008). If solid waste is not effectively and properly managed, it can result in adverse impacts on both environmental and human health causing air, soil, and water pollution and disease. Sustainable management of solid waste in mountain areas such as in the Himalaya is particularly important because of the vulnerability of natural resources such as surface waters and underground aquifers (Hinsby et al 2008), landscape, and biodiversity (Hamilton 2002). Furthermore, the deterioration of natural resources may affect the economy of countries where tourism is the most important economic sector. In mountain areas with high concentrations of tourism activities, improper disposal can be a major despoiler of the natural environment. Solid waste and littering can degrade the physical appearance of water bodies and cause deterioration of water quality.