meghalaya-s-living-root-bridges-inch-closer-to-unesco-tag

Meghalaya is making strides to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for its unique living root bridges, with a delegation led by Art and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh visiting Paris to advocate for the cause.

On Friday, the delegation met with Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General, to present a detailed overview of the living root bridges (LRBs), highlighting their cultural and ecological significance.

The bridges, a marvel of traditional knowledge and sustainable architecture, are currently listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site.

Minister Lyngdoh emphasised the state's commitment to international cultural cooperation, seeking support to elevate the status of these iconic structures.

The delegation also met Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference. Lyngdoh discussed opportunities for partnerships with UNESCO, focusing on digital archiving and broader cultural initiatives.

Miculescu took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where she expressed her pleasure at hosting the Indian delegation.

“Fascinating encounter!” she wrote, referring to the discussions about Meghalaya, a region known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

Pleased to welcome an Indian delegation led by Mr. Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Minister for Social Welfare, Tourism, Arts, Culture and Textiles of the #Meghalaya State, known as the Abode of Clouds, that falls in one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world. Fascinating encounter! pic.twitter.com/rgpvxMt7LG

— President of the General Conference of UNESCO (@PGC_of_UNESCO) September 12, 2024

As part of the visit, the delegation explored the UNESCO Archives, guided by Nicholas Jeffreys, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management, and Omar Baig, Chief Information and Technology Officer.

The archives house a wealth of historical documents and audio recordings dating back to the League of Nations.

Minister Lyngdoh underscored Meghalaya’s alignment with UNESCO’s mission to promote international understanding and peace.

He also highlighted the role of the International Institute for Intellectual Cooperation (IIIC), a significant body that facilitated intellectual exchanges under the League of Nations.

The delegation included key officials from Meghalaya’s Department of Arts and Culture, including Principal Secretary FR Kharkongor, Secretary FM Dopth, Director DD Shira, and MY Tham, Convener of the INTACH Meghalaya Chapter.

The visit strengthens Meghalaya's bid to gain international recognition for its remarkable living root bridges, ensuring their preservation for future generations.