Syrwet U Barim

Heritage (Refined & Rewritten)

Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai: Living Architecture rooted in Harmony

We are Syrwet U Barim, a community-led federation representing over 42 primary cooperatives across 63+ villages in the subtropical forests of Meghalaya. Our mission is to safeguard the Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai (Living Root Bridges) and their surrounding cultural landscapes. Grown from the living aerial roots of Ficus elastica (rubber fig trees) over generations, these botanical structures represent a profound, centuries-old philosophy of human–nature reciprocity and climate resilience in one of the wettest places on Earth.

Formed in 2018 in collaboration with village elders, traditional dorbars, and local authorities, the Federation bridges ancestral wisdom with modern policy. Through initiatives under the Community-led Landscape Management Program (CLLMP), our collective stewardship helped secure the inclusion of the Jingkieng Jri Cultural Landscape on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, driving India’s official nomination for full World Heritage recognition.

Syrwet U Barim

Livelihood

Sustaining Communities through Ecological Stewardship

In the Jingkieng Jri landscape, conservation and economic well-being grow together. We empower indigenous families, women, and youth through sustainable local enterprises that honour traditional knowledge. From managing native plant nurseries (‘Per Sara) and harvesting pure forest honey to practicing traditional bamboo crafting, weaving, and operating community homestays (Ïing Mariang), our green livelihoods prove that protecting living heritage directly enriches local economies.

Syrwet U Barim

Research

Bridging Indigenous Wisdom and Ecological Science

By collaborating with academic institutions, scientists, and botanical researchers, we unite traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with contemporary science. Our research projects document the bio-engineering mechanisms of Ficus elastica roots, study biodiversity within surrounding sacred groves, and evaluate natural climate adaptation models. This continuous learning strengthens ecosystem health and informs international dialogue on commons-based resource management.

Syrwet U Barim

Cultural

A Sacred Tapestry of Land, Story, and Spirit

The living root bridges are more than physical crossings; they embody Jingkieng Ksiar—the sacred bond linking people, nature, and the divine. Culture in our landscape is alive in the oral traditions passed down by elders, seasonal community festivals, and traditional music and dance. Through intergenerational storytelling, workshops, and hands-on apprenticeship, we keep the art of root-guided architecture and indigenous lore thriving for generations to come.

Syrwet U Barim

Community

Grassroots Governance and Shared Stewardship

At the core of Syrwet U Barim is the spirit of collective cooperation (Iatrei Lang). Uniting over 40 village cooperatives and traditional institutions across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, our federation operates on democratic community dialogue. By prioritizing inclusive decision-making, empowering youth as eco-guides, and supporting women-led initiatives, we build social resilience and nurture a shared responsibility as custodians of Mother Earth.

Syrwet U Barim

Sustainability

Climate Resilience in Harmony with Nature

Living root bridges are natural, self-strengthening infrastructures that withstand severe monsoons, flash floods, and landslides where steel and concrete fail. Supported by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), our sustainability model focuses on holistic landscape regeneration—restoring natural waterways, establishing native tree nurseries, preventing soil erosion, and preserving fragile forest biomes for long-term ecological balance.

Syrwet U Barim

Tourism

Ki Dienjat Ka Riti: Responsible & Immersive Journeys

We invite travelers to experience our living heritage through Ki Dienjat Ka Riti—our community-led eco-tourism initiative. Walk along ancient forest footpaths (Lynti Syngkien), stay in authentic community-run nature homes (Ïing Mariang), and taste indigenous cuisine cooked with local produce. By practicing low-impact, respectful travel, every visitor directly contributes to village conservation funds and supports the custodians of these living wonders.

Syrwet U Barim

We are a pioneering community-led initiative dedicated to conserving and promoting the Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai (Living Root Bridges) and their cultural landscape. Formed in 2018 with more than 40 primary cooperatives, the Federation works to safeguard ancestral knowledge, support sustainable livelihoods, and guide responsible development. Rooted in community dialogue with village elders and local authorities, Syrwet U Barim has shaped heritage preservation policies while fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer through storytelling, site visits, and hands-on learning.

Through initiatives such as the Community-led Landscape Management Program (CLLMP), the Federation has advanced conservation by conserving the Living Root Bridges, developing community nurseries, and creating nature homes. In 2022, these collective efforts – together with the Government of Meghalaya, helped secure the inclusion of the Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage recognition.

Partnerships with research institutions have further enriched ecological studies and sustainable practices, while festivals, workshops, and cultural events continue to empower youth and women, revitalize traditional skills, and strengthen community resilience. Looking ahead, Syrwet U Barim remains committed to advocating for supportive policies, nurturing sustainable futures, and achieving UNESCO World Heritage status.

PRIMARY COOPERATIVES

40 + COOPERATIVES, 74 + VILLAGES OVER 5 BLOCKS IN 2 DISTRICS

Together, we strengthen community resilience while preserving the wisdom of generations.

Workshop

LEADERSHIP & TEAM

40 + COOPERATIVES, 74 + VILLAGES OVER 5 BLOCKS IN 2 DISTRICS

Together, we strengthen community resilience while preserving the wisdom of generations.

FEDERATION HERITAGE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Chairperson, Vice-Chairmans, Chief Executive Officer
Managing Director & Secretary

BLOCK LEVEL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Block Level Facilitators, Primary Cooperative
Committee Representatives & Coordinators

PRIMARY COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN MARIANG JINGKIENG JRI VILLAGES

Village Community Facilitators, Primary Cooperative Representatives,
Managing Committees, Sub Committees, Village Elders & Headman

Our Partners & Supporters

SYRWET U BARIM MARIANG JINGKIENG JRI COOPERATIVE FEDERATION LTD.

1. Bkang Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 2. Mawphu Mei Ramew Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 3. Pynneh Pynsah Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 4. Nongsteng Elaka Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 5. Tynrong Mawsahew Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 6. Wah Kohla Arhima Ramdait and Mynteng Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 7. Tyrna Elaka Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 8. Ki Snap Ka Mynnor Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 9. Kshaid Village Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 10. Tyniar village Mariang Jingkiengjri Cooperative Society Ltd. 11. Pdei Puhbseiñ Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 12. Wei Jingkieng Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 13. Pynneh Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 14. Kongthong Dongkong Mariang Jingkieng jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 15. Buddienjat Longshuwa Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 16. Mynrieng Village Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 17. Wah Mwar Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 18. Matti U Longshuwa Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 19. Nuksa u Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 20. Ïalam Pynbha U Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 21. Na Tynrai Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 22. Ïatreilang Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 23. Sohkhmi Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 24. Tyngkei and Lyngngai Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 25. Padu bah Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 26. Khonglah Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 27. Kudengrim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 28. Sui Syngkew Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 29. Sohkha Rhen Rmen Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 30. Amkoi Kyntoilang Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 31. Dienjat U Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd. 32. Jingkieng Tluh Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Society Ltd.

World Bank Group | Cooperative Department, Government of Meghalaya | International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property | National Geographic Society 
Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council | Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council | UNESCO Category 2 Centre, Dehradun | Survey of India Shillong, Meghalaya | Survey of India, Dehradun
State Central Library, Shillong | Library North Eastern Hill University, Shillong | Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun | International Council on Monuments and Sites

Government of Meghalaya Logo
Syrwet U Barim
World Bank Group
Meghalaya Cooperatives
UNDP Logo
MBMA Logo
Meghalayan Age Logo