The national bamboo conference is being prepared to organise from February 27 to 29, 2025 with the slogan ‘Where there is bamboo, there is life, where there is life, there is bamboo.’
The first of its kind conference will be conducted in Diktel Bazaar, the trade centre of Khotang district, Koshi Province of Nepal. The event is being organised with lead management of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality. It is a project of the municipality and Forest Research and Training Center. Ministry of Tourism Forestry and Environment Koshi Province and Green Bamboo Creation Lalitpur are prepared to hold the conference jointly.
For the effective and successful preparation, a national organizing committee under the leadership of former Science and Technology Minister Ganesh Shah have been formed to coordinate the stakeholders, experts and professionals.
A local committee has been formed under the coordination of ward no 10 chair Mugadhan Rai. He is also the coordinator of forest, environment, waste, and disaster management committee in municipality.
The researchers and experts on bamboo, entrepreneurs, university educators, people’s representatives, and local youths, among others will attend the event.
The three-day event will host the participation of experts from various countries who have involved in study and enterprise of bamboo.
It is expected that the conference it would help run industries related to bamboo and create jobs for the youths, thereby recognizing indigenous skills and knowledge.
Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi is the largest local level in the district. This local level has adopted the policy to prioritize and promote local resources for income generation and employments. For this, bamboo products come on top.
Varieties of bamboo species are found in Nepal. It is used for fodder, and products for household and cultural purposes as well in Khotang, an eastern hilly district of the country.
The host municipality has been promoting the use of materials made of multi-purpose tree, bamboo. Bamboo furniture is used in the offices of both Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the municipality.
Bamboo, which is not only used for fodder for cattle but also firewood and household appliances, is found much in Nepal. Bamboo in Nepal provides different ecosystem services ranging from social (spiritual significance for local communities), economic (lumber, medicine, water, biofuel, and crafts), to ecological (carbon stock/sequestration, landscape restoration). It forms the basis for local livelihoods as well as enhancing the climate resilience of local communities in Nepal.
It is an incredibly versatile and sustainable resource, holds immense significance in Nepal, where it grows abundantly from the lowland Terai to the upper hilly regions. Known as “Green Gold,” bamboo has the potential to transform livelihoods and drive economic growth, particularly in rural areas. Its rapid growth, adaptability, and wide range of uses make it an ideal resource for sustainable development in the country.
In Nepal, bamboo can play a critical role in improving the livelihoods of local communities. For many, it serves as a source of income, as it is used in construction, furniture making, handicrafts, and even as a food source. The production and sale of bamboo products can create numerous employment opportunities, from farmers cultivating bamboo to artisans and manufacturers creating value-added products. As a fast-growing plant that requires minimal maintenance, bamboo can also provide a steady income stream for farmers, contributing to poverty alleviation in rural areas.
Moreover, bamboo has significant environmental benefits. It is a renewable resource that regenerates quickly, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional timber. Its ability to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and prevent soil erosion also helps in combating climate change and preserving the environment. In regions prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, bamboo’s flexibility and strength make it an ideal material for constructing resilient homes.
The potential of bamboo to contribute to Nepal’s green economy cannot be overstated. By harnessing its commercial potential, Nepal can position bamboo as a key driver of sustainable development, boosting incomes, promoting eco-friendly products, and conserving the environment. With proper investment, infrastructure, and training, bamboo can truly become “Green Gold,” offering prosperity to all who engage with its cultivation and utilization.
With bamboo emerging as a vital resource for livelihood, sustainability, circular economy, and the country’s economic growth, this three-day event will be a landmark in establishing bamboo’s role in shaping Nepal’s future. We invite you to partner with us in this impactful event, helping drive awareness, innovation, and collaboration in the bamboo industry.
Bamboo is a key part of the rural farming systems of Nepal, and is grown in homesteads and degraded lands. It is a fast-growing plant that can be a source of income, and is particularly important for socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
Bamboo, also known as “poor man’s timber,” is one of Nepal’s most significant forest species and is widely distributed through the country. Bamboo resources have tremendous social, cultural, and ecological implications, suggesting a need for further investigation and exploration. The majority of past studies have focused on the socio-economic and ethno-botanical aspects of bamboo in parts of Nepal but the ecological information and research statistics for bamboo, as well as its contribution to Nepalese communities, are still unexplored.
A total of 12 genera and more than 53 bamboo species have been recorded in Nepal, with highest species diversity in the Hill region. Bamboo in Nepal provides different ecosystem services ranging from social (spiritual significance for local communities), economic (lumber, medicine, water, biofuel, and crafts), to ecological (carbon stock/sequestration, landscape restoration). It forms the basis for local livelihoods as well as enhancing the climate resilience of local communities in Nepal.
Bamboo is known to be one of the most sustainable plants in the world. It requires minimal water, fertiliser, or pesticides and grows extraordinarily quickly—up to three feet in a single day at times. Because of these reasons, bamboo is considered a low-impact crop that doesn’t damage the environment when it is harvested frequently.
Bamboo is known as the “wonder plant” for a variety of reasons. It is used in buildings, furniture, food, textiles, and environmental preservation.
Accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, building construction and operations are at the forefront of climate change mitigation efforts. Bamboo, known as the fastest-growing woody fiber, offers a high yield per hectare and superior carbon sequestration capabilities compared to traditional wood.
As the world increasingly turns to sustainable materials, bamboo has emerged as a key player in reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. Accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, building construction and operations are at the forefront of climate change mitigation efforts. Bamboo, known as the fastest-growing woody fiber, offers a high yield per hectare and superior carbon sequestration capabilities compared to traditional wood.
Bamboo is not only a renewable resource but also a solution for combating climate change, restoring degraded lands, and creating economic opportunities in communities across the globe.
