The VIII World Bamboo Congress that was recently held at Thailand was an immense success. The highlights of the Inaugural Session included speeches by the Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Mr. Suwit Kunkitti, ASEAN General Secretary Dr. Surin Pituwan and the Chief Minister of Nagaland Mr. Neiphiu Rio. The Congress was held in coordination with Thailand’s Royal Forest Department and with the help of many sponsors without the help of whom the Congress would not have been possible. This Congress is the culmination of efforts to physically unite bamboo enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world and especially throughout Thailand and South East Asia. The World Bamboo Organisation (WBO) is dedicated to promoting the use of bamboo and bamboo products for the sake of the environment and the economy. It plays a crucial networking role by connecting people for useful collaborations on all things related to bamboo. Its primary directive is as an event – organiser of the World Bamboo Congress.

To coincide with the 113th anniversary of the Royal Forest Department, the 18th of September was declared ‘World Bamboo Day’. This declaration is an effort to increase the awareness of bamboo globally. Where bamboo grows naturally, bamboo has been a daily element but its utilisation has not always been sustainable due to exploitation. The World Bamboo Organisation wants to bring the potential of bamboo to a more elevated exposure – to protect the natural resources and the environment, to ensure sustainable utilisation, to promote new cultivation of bamboo for new industries as well as promote traditional uses locally and for community economic development.

To celebrate World Bamboo Day, a ceremonial bamboo planting took place near Bangkok where a representative from each country had the honour to plant a bamboo seedling as a symbolic gesture of the World Bamboo Organisation’s mission. The bamboo plants, grown and provided by the Royal Forest Department were planted in Prachin Buri at the khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre. This event was also attended by WBO President Mr. Kamesh Salam.