Bamboo may seem like an ordinary plant, but its importance to nature and humanity is fundamental. It offers thousands of uses and plays an important role in the fight against climate change. As a reminder of the importance of bamboo, World Bamboo Day is celebrated on 18 September.

A day dedicated to “green gold”

Bamboo is valued for its many uses, which is why it is often called “green gold”. There are more than 1,450 species and it thrives in both tropical and cool mountain climates. In recognition of this contribution, World Bamboo Day was declared during a congress in Bangkok in 2009.

Its advantage is that it grows very quickly. It is reported that some species can grow 60 to 90 centimetres in a single day. This makes it a good substitute for timber harvested in tropical rainforests. It also has better properties than trees. Bamboo is able to absorb more carbon dioxide and produce much more oxygen, which is an important ability. It thus plays an important role in the fight against global warming, which is a current threat.

Bamboo in architecture

In the past, bamboo has already functioned as a great material for building houses or making furniture. It has excellent characteristics: it is durable, strong, flexible and also has an aesthetic function. Bamboo buildings are found mainly in Asia, but also in parts of Africa and South America. Thanks to its natural origin, it promotes ecology and sustainability.

Food and medicine

Bamboo proves that it has truly versatile uses. Not only does it serve as a building material, it is also used as a food that has a positive effect on health. In particular, the young shoots are rich in fibre and protein, thanks to which it is able to reduce the level of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. Asian traditional medicines then use it, for example, to boost immunity. The leaves even contain antioxidants and minerals that are beneficial to the body. It is a particularly important ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.

Bamboo has properties that have a positive effect on health. ━━ Bamboo has properties that have a positive effect on health. ( Source: 06photo /  iStockphoto )

Economic importance

World Bamboo Day is a reminder of the importance of this plant. In the areas where it grows, it is a vital source of livelihood, providing many jobs. This includes agriculture, construction, furniture and textiles. Its production and subsequent processing generate large revenues that support the economies of the countries where it is grown.

Symbol and tradition

Bamboo has a symbolic meaning in different cultures. For the Japanese, it represents both strength and purity, for the Indians it is a symbol of prosperity and for the Chinese it is a symbol of harmony.

Challenges and the future

Despite the desirability of bamboo and its wide range of uses, there are many challenges to its cultivation. For this reason, the World Bamboo Organisation has been set up to promote responsible management of bamboo material. Action is needed because the plant is an important natural commodity.

Summary

The commemoration of World Bamboo Day shows us that it is nature that offers the best solution for sustainable living and the fight against climate change. Bamboo is truly versatile and has unique properties for which it is valued.