15 countries' representatives attend dialogue on bamboo

Diplomatic representatives from 15 countries attended the Latin America and Caribbean Ambassadors' Dialogue in Beijing on Thursday, discussing how bamboo can support post-COVID-19 economic recovery and more sustainable development in the region.

The event, titled "Triangular cooperation, knowledge transfer and best practices" was held at the headquarters of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, the first intergovernmental organization established in China that promotes sustainable development via the developing bamboo and rattan industry.

Latin America and the Caribbean have abundant bamboo resources, and a long history of bamboo construction and craftsmanship, said Jiang Zehui, Co-Chair of the INBAR Board of Trustees.

With more support and investment, Jiang said the plant could play a larger role in low-carbon housing and product creation, and serve as a sustainable means of income for rural communities.

She said planting bamboo can also help protect the region's forests, and offers important ecosystem services, such as restoring degraded land, conserving water and storing carbon.

"I hope the dialogue would provide a platform to share successful experiences about using bamboo to promote green development, and discuss how to use bamboo to cope with the impact of the pandemic," Jiang said.

Participants heard from several leading bamboo companies about how to build a strong private sector.

Following the presentations and videos, representatives from governments and international organizations took part in a spirited panel discussion about the future of bamboo in the region.

Several diplomats described how bamboo was already being used to promote environmental protection and job creation in their countries.

Carlos Larrea, the ambassador of Ecuador, confirmed the government will continue to promote Guadua bamboo planting and use bamboo to restore degraded land.

Leonardo Kam, the ambassador of Panama, said bamboo was an active part of the country's ecosystem and forest protection work, particularly its 2015 national policy on ecosystem protection.