NewsAmbassador’s meeting with INBAR for Congo’s bamboo development
H.E. Daniel Ngassiki, Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to Cameroon (left) and Mr. Rene Kaam, INBAR Regional Director for Central Africa Regional Office (right).
INBAR’s Regional Office for Central Africa was granted an audience by the Embassy of the Republic of Congo in Cameroon.
On 21 December 2023, H.E. Daniel Ngassiki, the Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to Cameroon, received in audience Mr. Rene Kaam, INBAR Regional Director for Central Africa Regional Office, at the Embassy of the Republic of Congo in Yaoundé. The primary focus of the meeting was to deliberate on a workshop dedicated to framing activities for the development of bamboo and rattan in Congo, including supporting GIS remote sensing bamboo inventory studies, value chain analyses, and the formulation of a national bamboo and rattan strategy. The meeting also included a revisit of the membership contributions of Congo to INBAR.
During the audience, Mr. Rene Kaam commended President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s environmental leadership, particularly highlighting the success of the Three Basins Summit and the pivotal role played by the countries of the Mekong Basin, the Amazon, and the Congo Basin. Updating the Ambassador on INBAR’s history and mission, Mr. Kaam emphasized the organization’s global impact, with now 50 Member States, including the Republic of Congo. He outlined the vast possibilities of the fast-growing nature-based solution, showcasing bamboo’s potential in generating a USD 60 billion global economy, its role in employment generation, its remarkable ability to substitute wood and plastic applications, and its versatility in producing 10,000 different products.
Expressing concern over activities initially planned for 2023, including the assistance to the Republic of Congo in baseline studies for bamboo and rattan sector development, Mr. Kaam shared that the scoping workshop scheduled in Brazzaville could not take place, with hopes for its realization in 2024.
Ambassador Ngassiki, delighted to host INBAR at the embassy, expressed awareness of environmental issues and the organization’s activities. Acknowledging the potential of bamboo and rattan for the Republic of Congo’s socio-economic development, he provided an update on the country’s financial contribution to INBAR, affirming its commitment as a Member State. The Ambassador assured prompt contact with the INBAR focal point in Congo, pledging his support and offering assistance in conveying messages and reconnecting with the relevant minister. His Excellency also proposed establishing tangible projects to integrate bamboo into reforestation programs and encourage corporate utilization, and recommended seeking funding from institutions such as the World Bank, the Bank of Central African States and the African Development Bank.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with the presentation of bamboo gifts to the Ambassador, who was amazed at the diverse possibilities that bamboo offers for his country and a more sustainable future.
For more information about this meeting, please contact rkaam[at]inbar[dot]int
