The Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) began a three-day workshop today for the Syrwet U Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Federation, a grassroots conservation and responsible development organisation.
The event is being nurtured by the Community-Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP) of the state government.
The training underlines the role of geological sciences and traditional knowledge in the conservation, management and development of jingkieng jri, the famous living root bridges of Meghalaya.
The workshop is an effort to bridge the gap between ancient knowledge and contemporary science for nurturing effective community and science-based solutions, a press release stated.
It brings experienced geologists and indigenous knowledge holders together to facilitate knowledge sharing and sustainable capacity building for an education-based participatory approach towards conserving root bridge sites, landscapes, villages and watersheds.
The training explores a balance between formal and informal learning methods through immersive field studies, introduction to advances in the field of geology, open dialogues and museum visits related to geoheritage, geotourism and geohazards. This hybrid approach will connect both knowledge domains and hopefully nurture a foundation for future community and science-based documentation, research and management of root bridge sites, the press release added.
The first day saw introductory comments from representatives of the GSITI, CLLMP and Syrwet U Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Federation. Sessions involved presentations on geoheritage, geotourism, geotrails, visit-cum-live demonstrations in the GSI Museum (to understand the geological evolution of Meghalaya through rocks) and interactive discussion in the Petrology Laboratory.
A session highlighting the importance of everyone working together for authentic conservation and responsible development of root bridges complemented the day’s proceedings.
Day two will focus on root bridge vulnerability assessment, introduction to mapping techniques and visit to a geotechnical laboratory. The third day’s training will include fieldwork related to geological studies and conservation using appropriate protective measures.
The federation had expressed interest in the training and nominated members from each village cooperative. Future training is expected to involve larger groups and other interested root bridge villages in Meghalaya.
