The general objective of this project is to support sustainable construction in Ecuador, with bamboo and other local materials, by offering higher education and research, development and innovation opportunities for economic and social development while promoting the sustainable management of resources and climate change mitigation in Ecuador.

Specific objective

• Support research, development and innovation and higher education on sustainable construction in Ecuador.

In 2021, the project began the process of creating the International Network of Universities and Research Centers related to Bamboo, which has more than 30 identified institutions. Likewise, the preparation process for the launch of an open call to finance innovations in sustainable construction which incorporates bamboo elements, aimed at students, professionals, entrepreneurs, companies, and public and private research centers, among other actors in Ecuador was carried out. This call will speed up the introduction of construction products that incorporate bamboo into the market.

At the end of June 2022, the International Network of Universities and Research Centers related to bamboo (RIUCI bamboo) was launched. Until September 2022, RIUCI bamboo has 29 institutions from 10 countries, plus others that are in the process of incorporation. The new coordinating group of the Network is made up of four researchers from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru who will work jointly with INBAR’s regional office for Latin America and the Caribbean. The Network will carry out its work in three axes: knowledge generation, knowledge management and knowledge exchange with specific work groups to promote each one.

Regarding the work to promote innovation in bamboo construction, 9 proposals out of 30 received in total participated in the bambootcamp, an intensive mentoring space to accelerate and strengthen their proposals. In this space, 4 winning proposals were selected that will receive financing for their implementation.

The International Network of Universities and Research Centers related to bamboo (RIUCI bamboo) is an initiative that promotes scientific research and the exchange of knowledge in various fields of science to strengthen the development of the bamboo sector.

Go to the RIUCI bamboo website

For more information about the project, please contact:

Pablo Jacome, Regional Director, Latin America and the Caribbean Region,  inbarlac [at] inbar [dot] int

Pablo Izquierdo, Regional Technical Officer, pizquierdo[at] inbar [dot] int