Why bamboo?

Bamboo provides local solutions to several global challenges.

Ecological security

By conservation of forests through timber substitution, as an efficient carbon sink and as alternative to non-biodegradable and high energy-embodied materials such as plastic and metals.
Bamboos are excellent for rejuvenating degraded lands and protection against soil erosion.

Livelihood security

Through generation of employment in planting, primary and secondary processing, construction, craft and the manufacture of several value added products.
Bamboos grow more rapidly than trees and start to yield within three or four years of planting. Bamboo plantation establishment requires minimal capital investment and builds upon the inherent plant cultivation skills of local farmers and foresters.
Bamboos can be harvested annually and non-destructively.
All parts of the bamboo plant can be used in rural livelihoods and industry - shoots for food, leaves for fodder and branches for making over a thousand traditional products as well as a host of new generation industrial products.

Shelter security

Through the provision of safe, secure, durable and affordable housing and community buildings.
Bamboo provides pillars, walls, window frames, rafters, room separators, ceilings and roofs. Whole structures can be built with bamboo using skills available with local artisans.

Food security

Through bamboo-based agro-forestry systems, by maintaining the fertility of adjoining agricultural lands, and as a direct food source – example, edible bamboo shoots.