中文 FRANÇAIS Beijing Review
Africa
Harnessing Bamboo’s Potential to Facilitate Sustainable Development
Bamboo, renowned for its cultural significance across much of Asia, is now playing a leading role in paving the way for sustainable development in Africa
By Xia Yuanyuan | ChinAfrica Web Exclusive 

Bamboo, renowned for its cultural significance across much of Asia, is now playing a leading role in paving the way for sustainable development in Africa.

With its multitudinous uses - from food and medicine to utensils and construction - bamboo has tremendous potential to increase economic opportunities and to supplement incomes on the continent, apart from its innate climate-smart benefits that additionally benefit the environment.

To date, the potential of this versatile material and strategic resource has remained largely untapped in Africa despite its comparative abundance. But efforts are underway to try to change that situation.

"Bamboo for South-South and Trilateral Cooperation in Africa" was launched on May 30 with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Beijing, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Beijing, and the International Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) in a bid to create a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas about bamboo’s potential to underpin economic development in Africa.

Anani O. Demuyakor, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana and Vice Chair Representative of INBAR Council, remarked that bamboo is indigenous to Africa and is found throughout most of the continent. Demuyakor said INBAR’s technical and policy assistance can help African countries fully tap the benefits of their existing bamboo resources, and Ghana has benefited tremendously from its membership of INBAR. "INBAR has helped set up the Bamboo and Rattan Development Program within the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, creating approximately 15,000 jobs," Demuyakor said.

INBAR’s Director General Hans Friederich introduced a South-North-South project and proposed a China-Netherlands bamboo project in East Africa. He said bamboo can play a vital role in benefitting the environment while contributing to poverty alleviation by providing additional sources of revenue for rural communities.

Wang Chunfeng, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation of the State Forestry Administration of China, said China actively promotes South-South Cooperation and continues to increase its support for Africa. "China will provide new opportunities for expanding bamboo development in the African continent," Wang said.

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