Bamboo is a type of grass that grows
rapidly and is known for its strength, flexibility and eco-friendliness and to
celebrate the many uses and benefits of this versatile and sustainable resource, World
Bamboo Day is observed on September 18 annually. The day serves as a
platform for not just raising awareness about the importance of bamboo but also
promoting its role in sustainable development, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and
cultural preservation.
History
World Bamboo Day was established courtesy the efforts of the World Bamboo Organization, a non-profit organization that was founded in 2005 by Susanne Lucas and David Knights to promote bamboo as a valuable and versatile resource. In 2009, the WBO organised the first World Bamboo Congress in Bangkok, Thailand which brought together bamboo enthusiasts, experts, researchers and industry professionals from around the world and proposed the idea of creating a dedicated day to celebrate bamboo.
On September 18, 2009, during the 8th World Bamboo Congress, the participants officially declared September 18 as World Bamboo Day to coincide with the birthday of the renowned bamboo researcher, Nobel Laureate and India's former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was a strong advocate for bamboo's potential to combat poverty and environmental degradation. Following the declaration, World Bamboo Day gained recognition and support from bamboo organisations, environmental groups, governments and bamboo enthusiasts worldwide and the day was dedicated to promote the sustainable and versatile uses of bamboo.
Significance
World Bamboo Day aims to promote the environmental friendly and
sustainable resource (as bamboo grows quickly, requires minimal water and
pesticides and can be harvested without harming the plant's root system),
increase awareness about the diverse uses of bamboo (from construction and
furniture making to textiles and culinary applications), emphasises the
economic potential of bamboo for communities and businesses (as bamboo-based
industries can create jobs and income opportunities in many parts of the world),
recognises the cultural significance of bamboo in various societies and its
role in traditional crafts, music and rituals. Given that bamboo is often a
habitat for various wildlife species, celebrating bamboo further highlights the
importance of conserving bamboo forests for biodiversity, encourages research
and innovation in bamboo-related industries and fosters collaboration among
governments, organisations and individuals to promote the responsible
cultivation and use of bamboo resources.
