UNESCO and Government of Sikkim partner to document the engineering practices of Ru-Soam

Why in the News?
UNESCO has partnered with the Government of Sikkim to document the indigenous cane bridge engineering tradition (Ru-Soam) in the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, with support from Airbnb.

About Ru-Soam (Cane Bridges)
Ru-Soam are traditional suspension bridges made from bamboo, cane, and wood by the Lepcha community. These bridges reflect deep ecological knowledge and advanced indigenous engineering suited to mountainous terrains.

Key Features

• Built using locally available, sustainable materials.
• Designed with a strong understanding of structural resilience and environmental balance.
• Adapted to withstand extreme weather and difficult terrain conditions.

Project Objectives
The initiative aims to scientifically document and analyse the environmental and engineering principles of Ru-Soam through field studies, community consultations, and technical assessments. It also seeks to integrate this indigenous knowledge into modern climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.

Significance

• Highlights the value of indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable development.
• Supports climate-resilient infrastructure practices.
• Promotes global recognition of traditional engineering techniques.
• Strengthens collaboration between scientific communities and local populations.

Proof of Resilience
During the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, several cane bridges remained intact, ensuring connectivity in remote regions.

Institutional Context
The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere Programme (since 2018), promoting harmony between humans and nature.

Source: UNESCO