- A two-day international Buddhist conference began in Lumbini, focusing on cultural heritage preservation and sustainable tourism development.
- Participants from five nations are sharing research to promote Lumbini as a global center for peace, spirituality, and academic study.
- The event emphasizes balancing archaeological conservation with tourism to boost local economies while protecting sacred historical sites.
- Organizers aim to develop long-term strategies for promoting lesser-known Buddhist sites through international cooperation and systematic research.
Lumbini, Nepal: A two-day international Buddhist conference dedicated to the preservation of Buddhist religion, culture, and heritage, alongside the promotion of sustainable tourism, began on Thursday in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The conference is jointly organized by Lumbini Buddhist University with support from the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Transport of Lumbini Province. It was formally inaugurated by Prachanda Bikram Neupane, the provincial Minister for Industry, Tourism and Transport Management.
The event brings together Buddhist scholars, heritage experts, researchers, academicians, monks, and tourism professionals from Nepal, India, China, Sri Lanka, and Finland, creating a significant international platform for dialogue on cultural conservation and tourism development.
Lumbini as a Global Center of Peace
In his inaugural address, Minister Neupane stated that Lumbini is not only a shared heritage of Nepal but also a global symbol of peace, spirituality, and civilization. He emphasized that protecting and promoting the sacred site requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, including government bodies, academic
institutions, and international partners.
He stressed that heritage conservation and tourism development must go hand in hand, noting that sustainable tourism plays a vital role in boosting the local economy while preserving cultural and religious values.
"The provincial government is fully committed to preserving and promoting Lumbini’s historical, religious, and cultural identity on the international stage," Neupane said. "We aim to develop tourism in a way that directly contributes to the economic upliftment of local communities while safeguarding our heritage."
Academic and International Collaboration
Organizers noted that the conference will feature presentations of around a dozen research papers over its two-day run. These presentations focus on key themes, including Buddhist heritage conservation, archaeological research, good governance in the Lumbini region, and sustainable tourism development models.
Experts from the participating countries are sharing comparative studies and best practices regarding heritage management, tourism planning, and community-based conservation efforts.
Keynote speaker Professor Dr. Nareshman Bajracharya highlighted that Lumbini carries a universal message of peace, compassion, and coexistence. He stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between governments, universities, research institutions, and international organizations to preserve Lumbini’s archaeological significance.
Furthermore, Dr. Bajracharya underscored the urgent need for systematic research, excavation, and documentation of Buddhist heritage sites, warning that many historically significant locations in the broader Lumbini region remain underexplored or insufficiently protected.
A Vision for Global Promotion
Vice-Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, Dr. Manikratna Shakya, explained that the primary objective of the conference is to elevate Lumbini and its surrounding Buddhist circuits to the international stage through rigorous research and academic collaboration.
He noted that despite Lumbini’s global importance, a historical lack of adequate conservation, excavation, and scholarly focus has left several key heritage sites overlooked.
Dr. Shakya emphasized the urgency of identifying and protecting these lesser-known archaeological sites, stating that they hold immense potential for both cultural preservation and sustainable travel.
"Bringing hidden and lesser-known Buddhist heritage sites into international recognition is essential," Dr. Shakya said. "These areas can be developed into meaningful, sustainable tourism destinations if properly managed."
Expected Policy Outcomes
According to the organizers, the conference is expected to generate long-term policy recommendations and practical strategies for effective cultural asset management in the region.
The ongoing discussions are also aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and improving real-time coordination among stakeholders involved in tourism, archaeology, and cultural preservation.
The inaugural session was attended by Provincial Assembly member Chandrakesh Gupta, senior provincial government officials, university professors, students, tourism entrepreneurs, international monks, and local community leaders.
Officials described the event as a major step forward in positioning Lumbini as a premier global center for Buddhist studies, while reinforcing Nepal’s role as a custodian of world heritage.
