Bamboo Crafts - Strength & Opportunity in Dzongu, a pilot site of KLCDI-India

Dzongu, 'the LEPCHA reserve', is located within the transition Zone of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, North Sikkim. The Lepcha community residing here holds knowledge of various traditional practices including the technical use of bamboo in making of articles for routine requirement such as Sumok Thyak Tuk (Lepcha hat), Dom (box), Kyuk (serving paddles), Tungar (rice cleaner), Taleung (baskets), Thungzyang (doko), Puthyut (container for millet beer), etc. to the occasionally used Tuksure (fish trapping tool), musical instruments such as, Pungtong (flute), Tungbuk (Lepcha guitar), etc. The use of these artifacts is restricted to the community, either for self-use or local exchange. However, this traditional knowledge of Lepcha community can be reinforced further to convert this strength into a viable livelihood opportunity. Based on these understanding, the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Sikkim Regional Centre (GBPNIHESD-SRC) through Khangchendzonga Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KLCDI), India programme with the help of local partner organization - Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum (MLAS), Dzongu, has taken an initiative to strengthen the bamboo craft based traditional knowledge in Dzongu. To promote innovation in traditional bamboo crafts, through various capacity building programmes, training programmes and exposure visits were organized.