Indigenous Cultural Landscapes of Karnali Province: Preservation, Transformation, and Sustainability

Abstract

The preservation, transformation, and sustainability of indigenous cultural landscapes in Karnali Province, Nepal, reflect a dynamic relationship between communities, traditional knowledge systems, and the natural environment. These landscapes embody centuries of cultural practices, settlement patterns, agricultural systems, spiritual beliefs, and ecological stewardship developed by Indigenous and local communities. This study explores the preservation, transformation, and sustainability of Karnali’s indigenous cultural landscapes amid modernization, migration, infrastructure development, climate change, and socio-economic transitions. It examines how traditional institutions, customary resource management practices, and sacred ecological values have historically supported biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. However, expanding road networks, urbanization, tourism, and external cultural influences are transforming indigenous architecture, land-use patterns, and socio-cultural identities. Despite these pressures, local communities demonstrate resilience through adaptive practices that integrate traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary development needs. The study argues that sustainable preservation requires meaningful community participation, supportive policies, cultural revitalization, and environmentally sensitive development. Recognizing indigenous knowledge as a valuable resource for sustainable development can strengthen cultural continuity, biodiversity conservation, and ecological sustainability. The study concludes that balancing preservation and transformation is essential for sustaining Karnali’s distinctive indigenous cultural heritage and landscapes.