NewsGLF Nairobi 2023 sparks new enthusiasm for bamboo
INBAR’s booth at the forum displayed bamboo products and informational materials.
INBAR’s side event at prominent conference highlights the role of bamboo in delivering successful outcomes to land restoration and livelihood development in Africa.
The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) 2023 convened from 11 to 12 October at the World Agroforestry Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Held under the theme “A New Vision for the Earth,” the conference adopted a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual participation, bringing together a diverse group of over 200 prominent individuals, including scientists, activists, Indigenous leaders, financiers, women, youth and policymakers.
The first day of the conference focused on concerns and obstacles associated with the developing local solutions aimed at realizing the Great Green Wall initiative in Africa. On the second day, the conference shifted its focus to the global viewpoint of land restoration.
INBAR arranged a side event entitled “Can Bamboo Save African Livelihoods?” as part of the proceedings. Distinguished speakers were invited to speak at the event, presenting on a range of subjects related to bamboo land restoration in Africa, as well as exploring strategies to enhance the livelihoods of women and youth through the improvement of value chains.
Lu Wenming, INBAR’s Deputy Director General, gave the welcome address at the side event, where he outlined the many benefits of bamboo.
Mr. Lu Wenming, Deputy Director of INBAR, delivered the opening address where he introduced INBAR and its sustainable mandate, followed by Mr. Jayaraman Durai, INBAR Director of Global Programme, who emphasized the global trend in bamboo development and the creation of environmentally friendly employment opportunities.
Mr. Tome Okello presented an overview of the activities and accomplishments of the bamboo development programme in Uganda. The Government has formulated a comprehensive ten-year strategy and action plan for bamboo, encompassing initiatives such as land restoration, river bank conservation and livelihood enhancement.
Dr. Jane Njuguna, Acting Director of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, discussed the role of bamboo in enhancing biodiversity and promoting local employment in Busia, Kenya.
Mr. Isaac Acquah Junior, Director and Head of the Natural Resource Department of the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana, spoke about the utilization of bamboo for land restoration in mining regions of Ghana.
Mr. Safdar, Manager of Climate Impact Partners in the United Kingdom, presented on the topic of bamboo as a nature-based solution for carbon financing and livelihood enhancement.
Dr. Selim Reza, Programme Manager of the INBAR Dutch-Sino (Phase-II) project in East Africa, discussed the role of small and medium-sized enterprises and industry value chains in propelling the bamboo restoration efforts in Africa.
The session was moderated by Ms. Nellie Oduor, National Coordinator of the INBAR Dutch-Sino Project, and Mr. Gordon Sigu, INBAR focal point. Mr. René Kaam, Regional Director of the INBAR Central Africa Regional Office was also in attendance.
Speakers onstage during the hybrid side event.
In addition to the speakers, INBAR organized an exhibition in which bamboo items, encompassing diverse alternatives to plastic made from bamboo, were put on display for the audience, showing the value of bamboo in combating plastic pollution. These are key components of the Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic Initiative launched by INBAR and the Government of China last year.
The side event was accompanied by a session dedicated to questions and answers. Complete video of the proceedings is now available online.
