India Submits Meghalaya's Living Root Bridges for UNESCO World Heritage Consideration
In a significant cultural and environmental milestone, India has formally submitted the nomination dossier for the unique living root bridges of Meghalaya to UNESCO for potential inclusion on the prestigious World Heritage List. The submission marks a crucial step toward international recognition of this remarkable natural and cultural treasure.
Formal Submission at UNESCO Headquarters
The nomination dossier for Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape, Meghalaya was officially presented by Vishal V Sharma, India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, to Lazare Assomo Eloundou, Director of UNESCO's World Heritage Centre. This submission initiates the formal evaluation process for possible inscription during the 2026-27 evaluation cycle, placing India's unique heritage on the global conservation radar.
High-Level Acknowledgment and Collaborative Efforts
Ambassador Sharma expressed gratitude to multiple stakeholders whose collaborative efforts made this historic nomination possible. He specifically thanked:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and support
- Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for ministerial backing
- Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for state-level coordination
- Officers from the Archaeological Survey of India and Ministry of External Affairs
- Technical experts and researchers involved in documentation
- The local Indigenous communities who have preserved and guarded this property for generations
The Exceptional Cultural Landscape of Khasi and Jaintia Hills
The nominated property represents an extraordinary living cultural landscape that has evolved over centuries through the wisdom and practices of Indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities. Spanning across the picturesque Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, this landscape demonstrates a profound and harmonious relationship between humanity, nature, and spirituality.
According to the official statement, this cultural landscape is characterized by:
- Traditional systems of sustainable land use that have maintained ecological balance
- Indigenous governance structures that have preserved cultural continuity
- Ecological stewardship practices that have protected biodiversity
- A spiritual worldview centered on respect for Mei Ramew (Mother Earth)
Indigenous Worldview and Environmental Philosophy
At the heart of this cultural landscape lies an Indigenous worldview firmly anchored in principles of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility toward the natural environment. The living root bridges themselves are not merely functional structures but represent a sophisticated understanding of bio-engineering and sustainable living that has been passed down through generations.
These remarkable bridges, created by training the aerial roots of rubber trees across rivers and streams, symbolize the Khasi and Jaintia communities' deep connection with their environment. They represent a living tradition of ecological wisdom that continues to thrive in modern times, offering valuable lessons in sustainable development and community-based conservation.
The UNESCO nomination recognizes not just the physical structures but the entire cultural ecosystem that has created and maintained them. This includes traditional knowledge systems, community practices, spiritual beliefs, and governance mechanisms that have preserved this unique heritage against the pressures of modernization and environmental change.
If successful, the UNESCO World Heritage designation would provide international recognition and protection for this exceptional cultural landscape, potentially boosting conservation efforts, sustainable tourism, and cultural preservation initiatives in Meghalaya. The nomination represents India's commitment to preserving its diverse cultural heritage while showcasing Indigenous wisdom that offers solutions to contemporary environmental challenges.
