http://www.nepalnews.com.np/contents/englishweekly/spotlight/2002/sep/sep06/national2.htm Nature?s Nurture Crown Prince Paras? recent visits to national parks and other nature-protection sites encourage conservationists and the common people By KESHAB POUDEL It is said that a good king grows under the apprenticeship of his father. The heir to the throne can acquire diverse knowledge about the country?s traditions, practices, hopes and aspirations through travels and experiences undertaken early on as crown prince. A globally renowned conservationist himself, King Gyanendra seems to have found nature as the ideal place to train the crown prince. After his appointment as chairman of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation (KMTNC) nearly a year ago, Crown Prince Paras has visited four important conservation, demonstrating a deep interest in nature and its relationship with the people. Crown Prince Paras (right) inspecting flood affected areas : Deep concern Initiating his visit from national museum and the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development?s demonstration site in Godavari, Crown Prince Paras toured the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. He then traveled to Chitwan to meet flood-affected people at Jagatpur village. During his stay there, the crown prince visited various areas of the national park and inspected its program. At a time when some leaders of the country?s major political parties are calling for greater transparency in the royal palace, Crown Prince Paras? visits reinforced the reality that the monarchy already has struck strong roots in the people. The king?s and the crown prince?s popularity is rooted in the abiding reverence of the people. Based on the illustrious traditions, practices and heritage of the nation, the monarchy has maintained cordial relations with the people that have been reinforced over the generations by a common quest for the nation?s welfare. While politicians subject themselves to periodic elections based on their party orientation and policy platforms, the monarchy draws strength and sustenance from the people. Because of these deep roots in religion, culture and society, the institution has proved to be the anchor of national stability during good times and bad. In the year since he ascended the throne, King Gyanendra has worked with two prime ministers in a common endeavor to steer the country out of what is one of the most difficult periods in its history. The crown?s wisdom, experience and sagacity continue to sustain governance. Under the traditions and practices of the institution, the crown prince is trained for his future role from an early age. Through such social activities as sports and nature conservation, the future monarch gets a special opportunity to interact with a cross section of the people and understand their difficulties and aspirations. "Crown Prince Paras has done well by choosing the area of nature conservation to go to the people and learn about the country," says a political analyst who has closely studied the monarchy. "This way, relations between the monarchy and the people will continue to be strengthened." Our political leaders would be on a futile quest if they try to negate, in the name of transparency and accountability, the traditions and conventions that have long underpinned the monarchy. In Nepal?s case, the monarchy?s centrality to everyday life predates the creation of the nation, not to speak of parliament or elections. "As the institution of monarchy is always based on traditions and practices, it functions according to them," says the political analyst. "In a democratic party, there might be problems of succession. The monarchy, however, has a set practice," he says. "Even in the midst of June 1, 2001 tragedy at the royal place, the glorious traditions and practices underpinning the institution ensured stability and continuity and helped to pull the country out of crisis." Today?s constitutional system does not presuppose the king?s active role in day-to-day affairs. But it envisages the monarch?s participation in governance by exercising his prerogative to be consulted, the responsibility to warn and the right to encourage the government on issues of national interest. According to Article 43(2) of the Constitution of Kingdom of Nepal 1990, the king may offer suggestions or encouragement to or alert the council of ministers on matters of national importance. The centrality of the crown is enshrined in Article 27(3), which says His Majesty shall abide by and protect the constitution for the best interest and progress of the people of Nepal. During his recent visits, Crown Prince Paras has shown a perceptible interest in meeting the people and understanding their difficulties. Such visits would continue to offer the future monarch special insight into what is going on in the country and how the people feel about it. For Crown Prince Paras, the KMNTC - the brainchild of his father - is the ideal place for apprenticeship. The trust runs many internationally acclaimed projects though the direct involvement of the local people. Crown Prince Paras can interact with the people at their own doorsteps, gaining a better understanding of the challenges of development and the hardships of the people living in different parts of the country.