In the periphery of Manas National Park, Dhriiti identified an opportunity to address both forest conservation and community development through sustainable bamboo enterprises. The region’s abundant bamboo resources presented a unique opportunity to create sustainable livelihoods while protecting the forest ecosystem. This project of 3 years was supported by: CEE-UNEP and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT).

After extensive research and consultation with bamboo innovators, we introduced the Naga weaving technique to the region, differentiating our approach from traditional weaving methods. This innovative technique not only improved the quality of products but also significantly increased the earning potential for weavers.

Economic impact:

• Weaver earnings increased from ₹40 to ₹65 per mat immediately after implementation
• Overall income levels increased by 60%
• Market dynamics improved, leading to higher wages for traditional weaving as well
• Current earnings have reached approximately ₹120 per mat for both techniques
• The program directly benefited over 500 bamboo mat weavers

The initiative led to the formation of sustainable community collectives:

• Bamboo weavers and growers formed their own collective
• These groups now independently negotiate with the plywood industry

The project was designed with a clear exit strategy, emphasizing community ownership and independence. This aligns with Dhriiti’s core principle of enabling communities to become self-reliant rather than creating long-term dependencies.

The project successfully transformed the local economy by introducing innovative weaving techniques while simultaneously contributing to forest conservation through sustainable livelihood generation.