• BLOG SURF

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 22

The resilience that nature exhibits through trees is a source of inspiration and learning for me. I am fascinated by these gifts of nature wherever I travel, in much the same way as the renowned forester Peter Wohlleben expressed in his book The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World.

Trees stand tall, adapt to the local climate and environment, provide shade and food, filter the air by absorbing carbon dioxide, and provide aesthetic relief from concrete and glass jungles.

Trees show resilience because they continue to build and serve the ecosystem despite the stress to it. But trees are only as strong as their foundations. With the right soil and nutrients that build strong roots, a tree can stand for centuries providing essential services.

Similarly, strong institutions are the foundation of strong and sustainable economies. Strong institutions – such as a transparent judiciary, a robust constitution, and explicit rules and regulations–are at the heart of all of the world's most vibrant economies.

A version of this article appears in the print on November 23, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.