First National Bamboo Conference, scheduled from March 27 to February 1 in Diktel, Khotang invited environmentalists and think tanks to talk on bamboo and commit to the theme “Where there is bamboo, there is life; where is life, there is bamboo”. In the pre-event of the First National Bamboo Conference, Nepal Rastra Bank’s Governor, Maha Prasad Adhikari highlighted the potential of bamboo in promoting a green economy and creating an environmentally friendly atmosphere. He stated that the decision to host the conference in Diktel, rather than in an urban centre, presents a challenge to urban-centric events and encourages a broader, more inclusive perspective.
Former Environment Minister Ganesh Shah emphasised 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 it is a versatile product with numerous uses. Dr Rajendra KC, Director General of the Forest Research and Training Centre, asserted that Nepal’s bamboo could be marketed internationally under the ‘Himalayan Bamboo Brand.’ Nepal is home to 81 species of bamboo. The country accounts for 19 percent of the global bamboo coverage. The panel discussions emphasised 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.
