Kathmandu: The first National Bamboo Conference is set to be held on 27th, 28 February and 1st March in Diktel, Khotang.
The conference will be primarily organized by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, with the Forest Research and Training Center, the Ministry of Tourism, Forest, and Environment of Koshi Province, and Green Bamboo Creation Pvt. Ltd. serving as co-organizers.
It was announced during a press conference today that the conference will feature participation from governmental and non-governmental organizations related to forests and the environment, academic and research institutions, the private sector, bamboo-based entrepreneurs, and local bodies. The theme of the conference has been set as “Where There is Bamboo, There is Life; Where There is Life, There is Bamboo.”
The conference aims to explore various possibilities, opportunities, and challenges related to bamboo, improve and expand bamboo cultivation, promote bamboo farming on lands unsuitable for other crops, and exhibit diverse products and services derived from bamboo, according to Tirtharaj Bhattarai from Diktel Municipality Mayor.
Mayor Bhattarai added that the conference intends to draw attention to the promotion of farmers engaged in bamboo cultivation and enhance the utility of bamboo in housing and product manufacturing.
In the conference will involve 100 government and non-government organizations, 100 forest user groups, 50 universities and research centers, and 100 students who will directly observe the event.
According to Ganesh Sah, the coordinator of the main organizing committee, the conference will feature presentations by bamboo experts, stalls showcasing bamboo products from various districts, and displays of various cultural performances.
To prepare for the conference, regional programs will be organized in Itahari (Koshi Province) on 29th December, Janakpur (Madhesh Province) on 30th December, Hetauda (Bagmati Province) on 31st December, Pokhara (Gandaki Province) on 2nd January, and in the Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur) in the second week of January.
Dr. Rajendra KC, Director General of the Forest Research and Training Center under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, expressed confidence that the conference will be productive, highlighting bamboo’s potential to be branded and exported to international markets.
He remarked that bamboo is a versatile plant with an interdependent relationship with human life and livelihoods. He noted that the use of bamboo products is increasing in rural areas out of necessity and in urban areas as a luxury.
Bishal Ghimire, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Forest, and Environment of Koshi Province, emphasized that bamboo holds significant relevance for Nepal, a mountainous and sensitive terrain. He pointed out its importance for soil and watershed conservation, low-cost and sustainable earthquake-resistant construction, environmental purification, and commercial growth.
Pranav Pradhan, Managing Director of Green Bamboo Creation Pvt. Ltd., explained that the conference aims to focus on the conservation, promotion, and utility of bamboo species. It also seeks to diversify bamboo products, enhance their quality, develop bamboo-centric national policies, plans, and programs, and improve skills and technology.
Nepal hosts over 75 species of bamboo plants. Bamboo and bamboo-based products have been a vital foundation for the livelihoods of economically disadvantaged populations. Moreover, bamboo is closely tied to religion, culture, tradition, and small and domestic enterprises, as well as to general livelihoods.
The organizers believe the conference will help guide the younger generation toward maintaining coexistence with nature, conserving the environment, and mainstreaming sustainable development. Additionally, it will assist in preserving and promoting religious and traditional art, culture, and rituals related to bamboo, while advancing the promotion and commercialization of bamboo products and services to contribute to the national economy.
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