About Root Bridge Foundation
Fostering Sustainable Tourism practices in India’s northeast and working and campaigning against the negative impact of tourism on local communities and their resources
The main activities of Root Bridge Foundation – a nonprofit entity – consists of research, advocacy, awareness creation, policy level interventions, training, networking, consultancy, destination development and the facilitation of better community driven tourism models.
Our projects impact some of the most disadvantaged populations, including women and indigenous communities, who not only gain access to livelihoods, but also have a chance to redefine their identity and role in society.
RBF is the Implementing Agency of the Cycle Tourism Project of Assam Tourism.
RBF aims at bringing together the best global practices and accountability and the highest standards of governance to create a model of sustainable development in the field of tourism


OUR FOCUS AREAS
Destination development & Management
Journeys & Experiences
Training & Capacity enhancement
Research & Publishing
Project Implementation
Monitoring & Evaluation
Advocacy & Networking
Storyteller Network
Catalyst Funding
Integrated Rural Development
UMSWAI VALLEY ECO TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Foundation is currently working with the villagers of Shikdamakha (popularly known as the cleanest village of Assam) and other nearby villages like Bormarjong, Amsai, Langarkhon and Maulen to develop rural tourism models to attract visitors, and generate more livelihood and economic activities.
In May 2018, the Foundation did a mass study on these villages with the participation of local youth and students of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Tezpur Central University and Guwahati University. More than 50 people participated in the three day residential camp.
RBF is currently networking with Government and Non-Government organisations to help the villagers to create decent home stays and toilets.

Umswai : A sleeping valley with hundreds of fascinating stories and legends




STORYTELLER NETWORK

TRAINING & CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT

RBF believe that tourism should be non- exploitative, equitable, inclusive and sustainable. This question is the center point of our work:
‘Who Really Benefits from Tourism?’

CATALYST FUNDING
RBF provides funding to a few weavers, craftsmen and potters to make tourist friendly products. Root Bridge sells furnishing materials, like table mats, runners and other products under the brand name ‘Mirijim’ .The products are available to customers with a small story note that explains the stories and history around the product: How it is made, who made it, its story etc. This is an attempt towards cultural immersion through market intervention.

QUALITY DIGITAL CONTENT
RBF is creating high quality digital content to promote Sustainable Tourism. All the digital contents are free and are available in the public domain. Small level tourism entrepreneurs and homestay owners can use this digital content without the fear of copyright violation. The idea is to provide SMEs an opportunity to freely access digital content that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive for them.
Root Bridge Lifetime Achievement Award

Root Bridge constituted the ‘Root Bridge Lifetime Achievement Award’, to honour the unsung heroes of the region who have contributed significantly towards the life and culture of the region, be it in the field of Art, Culture, Conservation of Nature, Ecology or Society in general. Late Bogai Ohja, the Dhol exponent of Majuli and Smt. Sunki Amsi, a 90 year old weaver from the Tiwa community, have been the winners in the past. The Award consists of a cash price, a memento and a citation.

5 Reasons to travel with Root Bridge

- There is a narrative in every trip
Each trip is designed around a unique story with a passion that takes you to wonderful places and experiences. - Amazing Story Tellers
Great story tellers will travel with you, and unveil the unending stories of the North East India. - Truly Local
Root Bridge will take you to the soul of the villages, keeping in mind the cultural diversity of this region. - Quality and Safety Uncompromised
- Benefit to the local Community
