INTRODUCTION

The King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation (KMTNC) is an autonomous, non- governmental and non-profit organization. KMTNC was created because of the realization that the relationship between nature conservation and economic development is mutually dependent. It was established by the special King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation Act in 1982. It became fully functional in 1984 after the completion of necessary formalities.

KMTNC is named after the late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev without whose timely intervention most of the existing protected areas of Nepal would not have existed . The Trust enjoys the august patronage of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and is privileged to have a well-known conservationist His Royal Highness Prince Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah as the Chairman since its inception. The Trust's activities are guided by a Board of Trustees, comprising of eminent national and international personalities. Its conservation activities began with a handful of projects 10 years ago. Today, it has successfully undertaken over 60 projects in the fields of nature conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable rural development.

The Trust's programs represent a milestone in Nepal's nature and wildlife conservation history as they typify a change in the overall approach to conservation. It has tested unique innovations which have proved that conservation can be achieved through the involvement of local communities in a manner which brings direct benefits to the local people.

KMTNC does not receive any annual budgetary support from His Majesty's Government of Nepal. It is funded entirely by charitable donations from in-country as well as foreign sources. Donations to KMTNC are tax-deductible.

Over the last 10 years, the Trust has evolved as a people-oriented institution banking essentially on the people for their support in its conservation efforts. Its long-term goal is attaining total development by making the people fully accountable and confident in their ability to determine their own development and conservation priorities.

Its role in this process is that of a catalyst. The Trust approaches the problems aiming not to seek a solution on its own but to try to help the people find answers. This approach to problem- solving seeks to bring about attitudinal changes for conservation and development among the people rather than impose pre-determined ideas. The community is involved from the design to the implementation of any projects under the aegis of KMTNC as they are the ultimate beneficiaries and stakeholders.

This explains the Trust's focus on both long-term research and conservation projects being undertaken at the Nepal Conservation Research and Training Center (NCRTC) and community-based programs such as Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

Today, the Trust's efforts to protect and conserve the natural and cultural heritage have emerged as some of the best-known examples of successful environmental conservation and people- friendly development in the entire Himalayan region.

[Introduction] [Project Update] [Aims and objectives] [Governing board]
[Ongoing projects] [Focus] [Green Watch] [Newsline]

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