Living root bridges of Meghalaya nominated for UNESCO prize

The Living Roots Bridges of Meghalaya was recently proposed for the prestigious UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize by the Wildlife Institute of India: The Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

Majestic Living Root Bridge in the Wild: A living canopy of a mature root bridge woven from Ficus elastica, standing as a testament to centuries of indigenous bioengineering. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

Nominated for the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize: Recently proposed for the UNESCO Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize, which honors outstanding efforts in safeguarding and managing cultural landscapes with a $30,000 award. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

About The Nomination: 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. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

Testament to Meghalaya's unique natural heritage: 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 (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

Growing Momentum for Recognition: The process of global acknowledgment is supported by government initiatives, workshops involving UNESCO and INTACH, and legal steps to protect these as “living heritage.” (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

What This Nomination Means?: The nomination highlights the importance of preserving cultural landscapes and promoting sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )