The Nepal Weekly 
February 11, 2025
Various aspect of bamboo and need of knowledge sharing was discussed in the pre-event of the National Bamboo Conference 2025, held in Lalitpur on 6th February. The event gathered experts, professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders under the theme “Grow with Bamboo, Build with Bamboo, Let’s Talk Bamboo.” The event aimed to promote bamboo as a sustainable resource for environmental and developmental growth was organized in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Nepal and supported by Green Bamboo Creation, the event.
Rupa Bishwokarma, State Minister of Forest and Environment, Maha Prasad Adhikari, Governor Nepal Rastra Bank, Dr. Rajendra K.C., director general of the Forest Research and Training Center and Former Minister for Science and Technology Ganesh Shah who is also chairperson and chief coordinator of the conference were among the participating personalities in the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Adhikari has highlighted the potential of bamboo in promoting a green economy and creating an environmentally friendly atmosphere.
He also expressed his view that the Bamboo Conference would set a new precedent for promoting the green economy. He committed to supporting, both officially and personally, the production, use, and export of bamboo products.
Likewise, Former Minister Shah, emphasized the conference’s potential to boost bamboo-based industries. He added that bamboo plays a significant role in Nepal’s religion, culture, tradition, and small-scale industries, and that it is a versatile product with numerous uses.
Dr Rajendra KC said Nepal’s bamboo could be marketed internationally under the ‘Himalayan Bamboo Brand.’ He further stated that the conference would be a productive step toward achieving this goal. Dr. KC also added that the use of bamboo is increasing in rural areas for practical purposes, while in urban areas, it is more of a trend.
Eliza Sthapit, national director of Habitat for Humanity Nepal, emphasized the value of bamboo as a building material, stating, “Bamboo is a good building material. We build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.” Her remarks underscored bamboo’s versatility and its role in creating resilient and sustainable communities.
Pradeep Dangal, of Green Bamboo Creation Pvt. Ltd., elaborated that bamboo is a fast-growing plant, and promoting its production and use could contribute to economic prosperity. Bamboo products, being entirely environmentally friendly, are alternatives to plastic items. He further mentioned that bamboo is deeply ingrained in Nepali society, used in various cultural and practical contexts, from birth to death. Additionally, bamboo plays a crucial role in balancing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, he said.
The pre-event programme featured three different sessions.
Shambhu Dangal moderating a session conducted discussions on Grow with Bamboo, focusing on bamboo cultivation techniques and its ecological benefits. Likewise, in the other session, architect Anju Malla Pradhan explored innovative bamboo-based construction methods. Pramod K.C. moderated the session ‘Let’s Talk Bamboo’ engaged participants in discussions on policy frameworks and market opportunities for bamboo products. The event was concluded with remarks from Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, who announced details about the upcoming National Bamboo Conference 2025, set to take place in Diktel later this year.
According to Bhattarai, the Conference will be attended by representatives from government and non-government agencies, 100 forest users’ groups, 50 universities and research centres and 100 students.
The event will be held under the theme of “Where there is bamboo, there is life; where is life, there is bamboo”. Nepal is home to 81 species of bamboo. The country accounts for 19 percent of the global bamboo coverage.
