Press Release Detail

Fiji celebrated World Bamboo Day with a special event at Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, emphasizing bamboo’s vital role in sustainability, economic growth, and climate resilience. The celebration was officiated by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu.

World Bamboo Day, observed annually on September 18 aims to raise awareness of the environmental, social and economic benefits of bamboo. The theme of this year’s World Bamboo Day is “Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation and Design”.

In her address, Minister Bainivalu highlighted bamboo as a symbol of resilience and innovation.

“Bamboo is integral to sustainability and environmental health. Its rapid growth and diverse applications, from construction to arts and crafts, make it a key resource for addressing many of the challenges we face today,” she said.

The Minister also recognized bamboo’s cultural significance in Fiji, where more than 20 species are found. Among them is the indigenous Bitu Dina (Schizostachyum glaucifolium), traditionally used in construction, cooking and cultural practices.

She further stated government’s commitment to unlocking bamboo’s full potential through research and development initiatives through the Ministry of Forestry.

Fiji’s Country Representative for the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Mr. Norbert Maass also spoke at the event, stressing bamboo’s role in mitigating climate change.

“The Fiji Bamboo to Adapt and Mitigate Climate Change project, launched in June 2024, aims to position bamboo as a primary construction material, offering a sustainable alternative for affordable housing. The project, supported by the New Zealand and Irish governments, will run for 33 months and focus on using bamboo to create resilient, cyclone-proof homes,” Mr. Maass said.

He noted that bamboo has proven its value in construction across the Asia-Pacific, particularly in disaster-prone regions.

“We are confident it can have the same impact in Fiji,” he added.

A significant aspect of the bamboo initiative is the focus on economic empowerment, particularly for women and marginalized communities.

Minister Bainivalu highlighted recent workshops in Tailevu and Namosi, which introduced innovative bamboo techniques to rural communities, including the use of bamboo in sea-sand-based construction. These efforts align with Fiji’s broader goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction. 

In closing, Minister Bainivalu reaffirmed the government’s dedication to harnessing bamboo’s potential not only for economic growth but also as a key part of Fiji’s climate resilience strategy. 

“Through bamboo, we are creating new opportunities for our communities and advancing towards a greener, more sustainable future,” she said.

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