World Bank Funds Greater Lumbini Area Development Project to Protect Heritage and Create Jobs in Nepal
The World Bank is financing the Greater Lumbini Area Development Project, an initiative led by the Government of Nepal. This project aims to protect the Greater Lumbini Area, which includes significant historical sites such as Tilurakot, Devdaha, Ramgram, and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond heritage preservation, the project focuses on improving tourism-related infrastructure, enhancing the visitor experience, and creating sustainable growth and job opportunities for local communities. Elad Shenfeld of the World Bank Group emphasized the project's goal to unlock Lumbini's tourism potential, ensuring that tourism growth benefits local businesses and residents while safeguarding the area's cultural and spiritual values. The project also involves archaeological studies, research, and excavation, with the Lumbini Development Trust assigned to protect and amplify these sites, ensuring that new infrastructure does not negatively impact the archaeological remains.
