Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
09/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2024 19:59
MINISTER FISHERIES AND FORESTRY ALITIA BAINIVALU'S SPEECH AT WORLD BAMBOO DAY
The Acting Permanent Secretary
The Acting Conservator of Forests
Government Agencies
Non- Government Agencies
Stakeholders and Partners
Ladies and Gentlemen
Bula Vinaka and welcome to the celebration of World Bamboo Day 2024.
It is my great honor to stand before you today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable potential of bamboo, a plant that symbolizes resilience, sustainability and innovation.
World Bamboo Day, observed annually on September 18th since its inception in 2009, serves as a global platform to highlight the diverse benefits of bamboo. This versatile plant is integral to sustainability, environmental health and economic progress. Its rapid growth, ecological advantages and wide range of applications, from construction to art, make bamboo a key resource for our future.
In Fiji, bamboo has been a cornerstone of our culture and daily life. We are home to approximately 20 bamboo species, including the indigenous Polynesian Bamboo or locally known as the 'Bitu Dina' (Schizostachyum glaucifolium). Bamboo's traditional uses span culinary, construction and various cultural applications. Many of these species, introduced in the mid-1800s, have become integral to our ecosystem.
However, some species, such as the Punting Pole Bamboo (Bambusa tuldoides), the Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) and the Tali Bamboo (Gigantochloa apus) remain rare and localized. Our Research and Development Division is committed to exploring and expanding the applications of these species, enhancing their benefits to our communities.
The journey of bamboo research in Fiji began in the late 1970s with initial projects funded by the Government of the People's Republic of China in Vunidawa, Naitasiri, teaching young people in the area to use the local bamboo, locally known as 'Bitu ni Valagi (Bambusa vulgaris), in making furniture and also for weaving. The Forestry Department then provided support to the project in finding the safest, economical and effective treatment against insects and fungal attack, a major challenge for the project.
In the mid-1990s, recognizing the vulnerability of 'Bitu ni Valagi' (Bambusa vulgaris) to insects and fungal attack due its high starch content, a number of number of internationally recognized species for construction and for edible bamboo shoots were imported from Australia and were established in plots in Colo-i-Suva, Deuba and in Wakaya Island.
This early work, which included international collaborations with China and Indonesia, laid the foundation for ongoing bamboo research and development.
Our commitment to advancing bamboo's potential was further solidified in September 2020 when Fiji became a member of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR). INBAR, with its 48 member states, is a vital intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable development through bamboo and rattan.
Fiji's collaboration with INBAR was notably highlighted during the UNFCCC COP23, where we co-hosted an event titled "Bamboo for Climate Change Action in Small Island Developing States," showcasing bamboo's potential in addressing climate challenges.
As we look to the future, our focus for the 2024-2025 fiscal year includes several key initiatives:
Development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Bamboo Inventory. We will prioritize the establishment of an SOP to guide bamboo inventory work, followed by conducting inventories across provinces. This will enhance our ability to manage and utilize bamboo resources effectively.
Research and Development Trials. The Ministry will set up service trials to study the durability of bamboo in construction. This research will involve collecting and analyzing data to explore bamboo's potential in building resilient structures.
Establishment of a Bamboo Plantation. The Ministry plans to create a bamboo plantation to serve as a genetic pool for Fiji's bamboo species. This initiative aims to promote sustainable bamboo management and advance research efforts.
A Bamboo Campaign Launch. In preparation for next year's World Bamboo Day, we will launch a comprehensive bamboo campaign. This campaign will document and promote bamboo-related activities, supporting future research and collaboration.
Our commitment to bamboo development is also reflected in our community engagement efforts. This year, the three-day workshop held in Tonia Village, Tailevu successfully brought together 34 participants from Tonia, Nameka, Natuva and Vatukarasa. The workshop, supported by the Ministry, emphasized the importance of bamboo in achieving Fiji's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called for further support in training and equipment.
Similarly, the workshop in Qilai Village, Namosi, aimed to advance traditional bamboo knowledge to a more modern understanding. We explored innovative applications of bamboo, including piloting Concrete-Based Frame Technology (CBFT) with sea sand. This initiative produced practical solutions such as pontoons, seawalls and bus shelters, demonstrating bamboo's adaptability and potential for coastal areas.
Beyond the Bilibili, a non-governmental organization, also hosted a workshop in Tonia Village with technical support provided by the Ministry. This initiative highlighted the transformative potential of bamboo and underscored the need for ongoing support to build genuine partnerships and drive green growth.
Fiji's commitment to bamboo development is closely tied to our broader goals for sustainable development. Our membership in the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) has allowed us to collaborate on initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (Ending poverty), SDG 7 (Sustainable energy), SDG 11 (Housing), SDG 12 (Efficient use of resources), SDG 13 (Climate action), and SDG 15 (Biodiversity and land restoration).
Through bamboo development, we are not only addressing climate change but also creating opportunities for rural communities, improving housing and promoting the efficient use of natural resources.
As we celebrate World Bamboo Day 2024, let us recognize bamboo's extraordinary potential to foster sustainable development, enhance environmental protection and support community well-being. Through innovative research, community engagement and strategic partnerships, we are paving the way for a greener, more resilient future for Fiji.
Vinaka vakalevu, and thank you for joining us in this celebration of bamboo's vital contributions to our nation and our world.
The Acting Conservator of Forests
Government Agencies
Non- Government Agencies
Stakeholders and Partners
Ladies and Gentlemen
Bula Vinaka and welcome to the celebration of World Bamboo Day 2024.
It is my great honor to stand before you today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable potential of bamboo, a plant that symbolizes resilience, sustainability and innovation.
World Bamboo Day, observed annually on September 18th since its inception in 2009, serves as a global platform to highlight the diverse benefits of bamboo. This versatile plant is integral to sustainability, environmental health and economic progress. Its rapid growth, ecological advantages and wide range of applications, from construction to art, make bamboo a key resource for our future.
In Fiji, bamboo has been a cornerstone of our culture and daily life. We are home to approximately 20 bamboo species, including the indigenous Polynesian Bamboo or locally known as the 'Bitu Dina' (Schizostachyum glaucifolium). Bamboo's traditional uses span culinary, construction and various cultural applications. Many of these species, introduced in the mid-1800s, have become integral to our ecosystem.
However, some species, such as the Punting Pole Bamboo (Bambusa tuldoides), the Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) and the Tali Bamboo (Gigantochloa apus) remain rare and localized. Our Research and Development Division is committed to exploring and expanding the applications of these species, enhancing their benefits to our communities.
The journey of bamboo research in Fiji began in the late 1970s with initial projects funded by the Government of the People's Republic of China in Vunidawa, Naitasiri, teaching young people in the area to use the local bamboo, locally known as 'Bitu ni Valagi (Bambusa vulgaris), in making furniture and also for weaving. The Forestry Department then provided support to the project in finding the safest, economical and effective treatment against insects and fungal attack, a major challenge for the project.
In the mid-1990s, recognizing the vulnerability of 'Bitu ni Valagi' (Bambusa vulgaris) to insects and fungal attack due its high starch content, a number of number of internationally recognized species for construction and for edible bamboo shoots were imported from Australia and were established in plots in Colo-i-Suva, Deuba and in Wakaya Island.
This early work, which included international collaborations with China and Indonesia, laid the foundation for ongoing bamboo research and development.
Our commitment to advancing bamboo's potential was further solidified in September 2020 when Fiji became a member of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR). INBAR, with its 48 member states, is a vital intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable development through bamboo and rattan.
Fiji's collaboration with INBAR was notably highlighted during the UNFCCC COP23, where we co-hosted an event titled "Bamboo for Climate Change Action in Small Island Developing States," showcasing bamboo's potential in addressing climate challenges.
As we look to the future, our focus for the 2024-2025 fiscal year includes several key initiatives:
Development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Bamboo Inventory. We will prioritize the establishment of an SOP to guide bamboo inventory work, followed by conducting inventories across provinces. This will enhance our ability to manage and utilize bamboo resources effectively.
Research and Development Trials. The Ministry will set up service trials to study the durability of bamboo in construction. This research will involve collecting and analyzing data to explore bamboo's potential in building resilient structures.
Establishment of a Bamboo Plantation. The Ministry plans to create a bamboo plantation to serve as a genetic pool for Fiji's bamboo species. This initiative aims to promote sustainable bamboo management and advance research efforts.
A Bamboo Campaign Launch. In preparation for next year's World Bamboo Day, we will launch a comprehensive bamboo campaign. This campaign will document and promote bamboo-related activities, supporting future research and collaboration.
Our commitment to bamboo development is also reflected in our community engagement efforts. This year, the three-day workshop held in Tonia Village, Tailevu successfully brought together 34 participants from Tonia, Nameka, Natuva and Vatukarasa. The workshop, supported by the Ministry, emphasized the importance of bamboo in achieving Fiji's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called for further support in training and equipment.
Similarly, the workshop in Qilai Village, Namosi, aimed to advance traditional bamboo knowledge to a more modern understanding. We explored innovative applications of bamboo, including piloting Concrete-Based Frame Technology (CBFT) with sea sand. This initiative produced practical solutions such as pontoons, seawalls and bus shelters, demonstrating bamboo's adaptability and potential for coastal areas.
Beyond the Bilibili, a non-governmental organization, also hosted a workshop in Tonia Village with technical support provided by the Ministry. This initiative highlighted the transformative potential of bamboo and underscored the need for ongoing support to build genuine partnerships and drive green growth.
Fiji's commitment to bamboo development is closely tied to our broader goals for sustainable development. Our membership in the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) has allowed us to collaborate on initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (Ending poverty), SDG 7 (Sustainable energy), SDG 11 (Housing), SDG 12 (Efficient use of resources), SDG 13 (Climate action), and SDG 15 (Biodiversity and land restoration).
Through bamboo development, we are not only addressing climate change but also creating opportunities for rural communities, improving housing and promoting the efficient use of natural resources.
As we celebrate World Bamboo Day 2024, let us recognize bamboo's extraordinary potential to foster sustainable development, enhance environmental protection and support community well-being. Through innovative research, community engagement and strategic partnerships, we are paving the way for a greener, more resilient future for Fiji.
Vinaka vakalevu, and thank you for joining us in this celebration of bamboo's vital contributions to our nation and our world.