UNESCO Steps In to Preserve Sikkim’s Indigenous Cane Bridge Heritage

UNESCO’s Regional Director, Tim Curtis, joined the meeting virtually and praised the initiative.

In a landmark move to preserve cultural heritage, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has joined hands with the Government of Sikkim to document and promote the Lepcha Traditional Cane Bridge, known as Ru-Soam a living example of indigenous engineering and oral tradition.

The Department of Science and Technology’s Intellectual Property Rights Section organised a high-level meeting at the Tashiling Secretariat to kick-start this initiative. Sikkim Forest Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha chaired the program, which brought together experts, artisans, and cultural leaders to highlight the continued practice of this remarkable tradition by the Lepcha community in Dzongu Tribal Reserve, located within the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.

The Ru-Soam, crafted entirely from natural materials such as wild cane and bamboo, represents more than just a physical bridge. It stands as a symbol of sustainable, eco-sensitive construction and disaster-resilient infrastructure. For generations, Lepcha artisans have passed down the knowledge of building these bridges through oral traditions and hands-on learning.

UNESCO’s Regional Director, Tim Curtis, joined the meeting virtually and praised the initiative. He expressed UNESCO’s full support for the technical documentation and recognition of the Ru-Soam in line with global heritage standards. Local artisans from Dzongu, cultural representatives, and scholars from the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology shared their deep knowledge and experiences, enriching the discussions with firsthand insights.

Dr. Benno Boer, Chief of Natural Sciences at UNESCO, is scheduled to visit Sikkim in May 2025 to advance the documentation and preservation efforts.

This collaboration signals a strong commitment to safeguard Sikkim’s unique intangible cultural heritage. With plans now underway to document, digitally archive, and celebrate the Ru-Soam, the ancient wisdom of the Lepcha people is set to shine on the global stage.

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