Shillong, March 15: The Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) has organized a three-day training program from 15th to 17th March 2023 for indigenous community members of Syrwet U Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Federation Ltd. A grass root conservation and responsible development organization nurtured through Community-Led Landscape Management Project.
The training underlines the Role of Geological Sciences and Traditional Knowledge in the Conservation, Management, and Development of Jingkieng Jri: Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscapes of Meghalaya.
The training is an effort to bridge the gap between ancient knowledge and contemporary science for nurturing effective Community and Science-based solutions.
It brings experienced scientists (geologists) and indigenous knowledge holders together to facilitate knowledge sharing and sustainable capacity building for an education-based participatory approach towards conserving Jingkieng Jri sites, landscapes, villages, and watersheds.
The training explores a balance between formal and informal learning methods through immersive field studies, introduction to advances in the field of Geology, open dialogues and museum visits related to Geoheritage, Geotourism, and Geohazards.
This hybrid approach will connect both knowledge domains and hopefully nurture a foundation for future Community and Science-based documentation, research, and management of Jingkieng Jri sites.
In the day one the proceedings involved an inaugural session, which combined introductory comments from representatives of Geological Survey of India Training Institute, Community-Led Landscape Management Project, and Syrwet U Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Federation Ltd.
Subsequent sessions involved presentations on Geoheritage, Geotourism, Geotrails, visit cum live demonstrations in GSI Museum (for understanding Geological evolution of Meghalaya through rocks), and interactive discussion in Petrology Laboratory.
A session highlighting importance of everyone working together for authentic conservation and responsible development of Jingkieng Jri complemented the day’s proceedings.
On the day two training will focus on Vulnerability assessment of Jingkieng Jri, introduction to mapping techniques, and visit to Geotechnical laboratory and on the day three the training will include fieldwork related to Geological studies and conservation using appropriate protective measures. The training will conclude with a Valedictory session for all participants.
The Syrwet U Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Federation Ltd. had expressed interest in the training and nominated members from each village cooperative.
Future trainings are expected to involve larger groups and other interested Jingkieng Jri villages in Meghalaya. The training program is a crucial step towards creating a sustainable bridge between ancient knowledge and contemporary science to address current environmental challenges.
