Policy Gaps, Community Roles and Sustainability Challenges: A Systematic Literature Review of Cultural Heritage Conservation in Nepal

Abstract

Cultural heritage conservation in Nepal is a critical concern due to the country’s rich repository of historical, architectural, and intangible cultural assets. This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesizes scholarly and grey literature from 2000 to 2023 to explore the policies, practices, and evolving dynamics of heritage conservation in Nepal. The review evaluates key legislative frameworks—including the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1956 and the National Heritage Conservation Policy of 2009—and examines the operational challenges posed by natural disasters (notably the 2015 earthquake), rapid urbanization, institutional fragmentation, limited funding, and technical skill gaps. Emphasis is placed on the significance of community engagement, illustrated by case studies such as the Bhaktapur Development Project and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which demonstrate the benefits of inclusive and participatory conservation. The analysis also highlights the role of sustainable tourism in harmonizing economic development with heritage preservation. Drawing on international guidelines and examples, this review advocates for stronger policy coherence, enhanced capacity building, integration of modern conservation technologies—including geospatial tools for mapping and monitoring—and expanded global cooperation. Ultimately, the study offers a comprehensive framework for rethinking heritage conservation in Nepal through a more resilient, participatory, and adaptive approach