In addition to the ability to feed billions of people, bamboo could also become an effective weapon in the fight against global warming, the International Bamboo and Rattan Network (INBAR) said.
Bamboo generates income for more than 1.5 billion people worldwide. (Photo: Uppergreenside.org).
AFP quoted Mr. Coosje Hoogendoorn, INBAR general director, said bamboo is a great resource for economic development. This woody perennial evergreen tree is widely distributed in many of the world's poorest countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The length of the body of bamboo can increase by up to one meter per day. They generate income for more than 1.5 billion people. The total value of trading commodities from bamboo in the global market is up to 5 billion USD per year.
' Bamboo houses appeared many centuries ago, but many people still do not fully understand the potential of bamboo and only consider them as a kind of low value woody plant. In fact, bamboo is better than steel, cheaper than wood, consumes less energy in processing than cement and can withstand earthquakes , 'said Alvaro Cabrera, INBAR coordinator in the Americas. Latin and Caribbean, speaking.
INBAR - founded in 1997 and based in China is an intergovernmental organization. 36 countries signed agreements to join INBAR to propagate and promote commercial activities related to bamboo and rattan. In the context of the latest round of negotiations in the framework of the climate conference hosted by the United Nations in Cancun, Mexico, INBAR from November 29 to December 10, INBAR recommended leaders of participating countries. We recommend using bamboo to absorb carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the atmosphere. CO2 is one of the gases that causes global warming.
A scientific study last month showed that the ability and speed of carbon dioxide absorption of some bamboo species can be comparable to that of fir and eucalyptus.
In addition, bamboo roots also help reduce soil erosion and prevent landslides on hillsides and river banks during floods.
Natural bamboo forests are the paradise of many wild animals, including pandas. However, man-made bamboo plantations can destroy biodiversity.
INBAR said, China, Indonesia and Vietnam are the three most bamboo supplying countries in the world.