Shillong, Sep 4: The Wildlife Institute of India has proposed the Living Roots Bridges of Meghalaya for the prestigious UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes.
The Living Roots Bridges, found in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, are a testament to the region’s unique cultural and natural heritage. These bridges, ladders, steps, and erosion-control systems are cultivated by the Khasi-Jaintia communities using the Ficus elastica tree, and have been an integral part of the landscape for over two millennia.
The nomination is backed by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency and the Syrwet U Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Federation Ltd, which oversees the cultural landscape encompassing 74 villages in the region.
The Living Roots Bridges are not only a remarkable example of indigenous engineering but also play a critical socio-economic role in each village, contributing to forest and riparian restoration. The nomination highlights the importance of preserving cultural landscapes and promoting sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Established in 1995, the prize recognises outstanding efforts in safeguarding and managing cultural landscapes, emphasizing the crucial role of preservation in protecting shared heritage and inspiring future action. The prize includes a US$30,000 endowment and is awarded every two years to one laureate.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed support for Meghalaya’s bid for UNESCO recognition of its living root bridges, underscoring the significance of this nomination.
