A study was conducted to assess the effects of the Royal Highland Festival (RHF) from the perspective of yak herders in Laya, Bhutan. Sixty-six respondents were randomly selected from amongst the domicile herders who were regular visitors to the festival. A survey was carried out through a questionnaire with mixed questions. Herders’ opinions suggest good progress of RHF as reflected by improved community vitality and networking with stakeholders. Tourists, both international and domestic, were the major contributors to the income of yak herders during the festival. Livestock products were the biggest income earner, followed by homestays. Herders were encouraged to produce more quantities of livestock products and desired to diversify yak products. Animal shows were adequate and encouraged breed improvement. The grazing resources and the environment were unharmed by the presence of animals in the festival. However, yak herders expressed concerns over the lack of skills and knowledge for yak product diversification and management of festival waste. Herders felt the need to shift the festival venue to benefit highlanders in other areas of Bhutan. The study recommends authorities to consider imparting skills to Laya communities on developing diverse and value-added yak products. Homestay owners require more capacity to manage and maintain farmhouses with proper sanitation. Effective management of festival wastes calls for a farsighted plan. Finally, to inculcate a sense of pride and ownership, the communities of Laya must be empowered to self-organize the festival, while government authorities should consider shifting the festival venue to other highland areas.

中文翻译：

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放火烧山？半游牧民族视角的不丹皇家高地节

进行了一项研究，从不丹莱亚的牛牧民的角度评估皇家高地节（RHF）的影响。从经常参加该节日的住所牧民中随机抽取了66名受访者。通过带有混合问题的问卷进行了调查。牧民的意见表明，社区活力的增强和与利益相关者之间的联系反映了RHF的良好进展。节日期间，国际和国内游客都是牛牧民收入的主要贡献者。畜牧产品是最大的收入来源，其次是寄宿家庭。鼓励牧民生产更多数量的牲畜产品，并希望使牛产品多样化。动物表演充分，鼓励了品种的改良。节日中动物的存在并未损害放牧资源和环境。但是，牛牧民对over牛产品多样化和节日垃圾管理缺乏技能和知识表示关切。牧民认为有必要将节日的地点转移到不丹其他地区的高地居民中。该研究建议当局考虑向Laya社区传授技能，以开发多样化和增值的skills牛产品。寄宿家庭所有者需要更多的能力来管理和维护具有适当卫生条件的农舍。有效地管理节日废物需要有远见的计划。最后，为了灌输一种自豪感和主人翁精神，必须授权Laya社区自行组织音乐节，