The Apatani Cultural Landscape, once a beacon of hope following its inclusion in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites, remains unlisted even after years of anticipation. For the local people, this delay feels like losing a part of their identity. Unchecked development is changing the landscape and upsetting the balance between their culture and environment. Many worry that if things continue this way, their unique heritage might disappear forever.
It was in 2014 when the Apatani Cultural Landscape was added to the tentative list of World Heritage Sites. However, Dr. Tage Kanno, Kamle District Medical Officer (DMO), one of the many who once actively pushed for the inclusion of the Apatani Cultural Landscape in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, expressed his disappointment at the slow progress, noting that the nomination process should have been entrusted to experts from the start. He emphasized that despite early enthusiasm, the task remains far from complete. “No hope at present, to be honest,” he said.
The Ziro Valley, located at an elevation of 5,500 feet above sea level, is a remarkable and fragile ecosystem, rainfed and isolated from nearby snow-covered mountains and rivers. This unique geography demands careful, sustainable development practices. The Apatani people have practised permanent wet rice cultivation for centuries, unlike neighbouring tribes that rely on shifting cultivation. Their agricultural practices include fish farming in rice fields, organic farming, and the innovative use of limited water resources for irrigation.
Community involvement is central to the Apatani life. From building irrigation channels to maintaining village infrastructure, everyone plays a role. Traditional governance, through the village councils (Bulyañ), ensures social order. The community also has a deep spiritual connection with nature, performing rituals to honour the land and its resources, particularly during festivals like Myoko, Subu, and Muruñ.
The relationship between the Apatani people and their environment is a remarkable testament. Moreover, Ziro Valley’s fertile soil, high altitude, and cultural landscape make it unique. The valley’s blend of sustainable agriculture, traditional practices, and respect for nature reflects the Apatani’s deep-rooted cultural values. The Apatani people have crafted a balanced relationship with their environment over centuries, where every activity, from farming to festivals, is intertwined with respect for nature.
The Apatani’s systematic land use, such as rice-fish and millet cultivation on bunds, supports biodiversity and ensures sustainable farming practices. These eco-friendly practices are based on centuries-old traditions that have preserved the land’s fertility, making Ziro Valley a living testament to the coexistence of human and natural worlds.
The Apatani’s village councils, called Bulyañ, promote cooperation and social responsibility. They also help maintain harmony with nature by ensuring laws protecting forests and wildlife are respected. These traditions and customs hold universal value, offering insights into sustainable land and resource management that are increasingly important today.
As Ziro Valley edges closer to being officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its cultural and environmental significance becomes clearer, showing how the Apatani people have harmonized their way of life with the land for generations.
The critical issue here is the loss of traditional land management and agricultural practices, which are being overshadowed by modern construction and agricultural methods.
Dr. Nani Bath, a professor of political science at RGU, explained how the initiative to nominate Ziro as a UNESCO World Heritage Site began as a grassroots effort. Community volunteers, including Dr. Kanno, Wing Commander Gyati Kago (Retd.), and others, worked alongside local organizations like the Apatani Youth Association to push the project forward. Their goal was to highlight the region’s cultural and environmental significance.
“However, with the rise of construction and changing agricultural practices, these centuries-old traditions are at risk of being lost,” said Dr Nani Bath. He stressed the urgent need for sustainable development models that balance modernization with cultural preservation. The valley’s traditional systems, such as intricate irrigation channels and carefully demarcated land for various purposes, have maintained a deep connection between the people and their environment. These systems, deeply rooted in Apatani spiritual beliefs, have allowed the tribe to coexist with nature in ways that have sustained the landscape for generations.
However, rapid development and urbanization are threatening these practices. Many fear that the valley’s traditional agricultural systems are overshadowed by modern construction, jeopardising the environment and the community’s way of life. The loss of these traditional practices could disrupt the balance between humans and nature.
A major concern is the delayed recognition of Ziro Valley as a heritage site.
Dr. Tage Kanno said, “The idea behind nominating a property as a World Heritage Site (WHS) is to preserve its outstanding universal value. Once a site achieves WHS status, it attracts international attention, and strict management plans must be implemented. However, in anticipation of this recognition, people often rush to develop their land without necessarily adhering to the guidelines.” He remarked, “In the case of the Apatani Cultural Landscape, this anticipated recognition has not materialized. Unfortunately, as expected, extensive ‘developmental’ activities have been carried out, disregarding conservation norms.”
Amid these broader concerns, a local farmer practising wet rice cultivation shared the challenges faced in farming today: “Many of us have stopped cultivating our fields. Farming, which was once a collective effort with everyone pitching in, is now left to only a few. Earlier, the community would come together, work hard, and share responsibilities. However, now the land is neglected, and people don’t put in the effort like they used to.”
He added, “Back in the day, we worked tirelessly. Everyone, men and women contributed to preparing the land, planting, and maintaining crops. We would also prepare meals and share them while working in the fields. The sense of unity made everything manageable. But today, there’s no one to continue this tradition. Younger generations are not interested in farming. Most prefer education and other career opportunities, leaving the older generation as the last link to our agricultural roots.”
Speaking to Dr Radhe Yampi, Assistant Director at the Directorate of Research Department of Cultural Affairs of Arunachal Pradesh, about the current status and the reasons behind the delay, she said, “Initially, efforts were made, but they required engaging consultants. Due to technical issues, the submission process for some sites, like Thembang Dzong in West Kameng, was completed, while others are still in progress.”
Furthermore, she added that being on the tentative list impacts conservation and management positively, as it brings awareness and support. However, completing technical documents and meeting UNESCO’s guidelines takes considerable time and effort. She also mentioned difficulties in mobilizing funds and sensitising local communities and officials about the importance of heritage conservation. Despite setbacks, there is hope that the government will prioritize submissions in the upcoming years.
This story has been published as part of the AIPP-EastMojo Fellowship 2024
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