THE SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY OF TOMORROW Nature’s Sustainable Wonder Bamboo stands apart from traditional resources through its extraordinary combination of growth rate and environmental benefits. Unlike hardwood trees that may take decades to mature, most bamboo species reach harvest maturity in just 3-5 years. Some varieties can grow up to four feet in a single day, making bamboo one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. The sustainability credentials of bamboo are impressive: Requires no pesticides or chemical fertilizers Rarely needs replanting as it regenerates from its own root system Sequesters carbon dioxide and produces 35% more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees Requires minimal water compared to other crops Prevents soil erosion through its extensive root system Grows in diverse environments and climates Revolutionizing Construction Perhaps bamboo’s most promising industrial application lies in construction. Already, over one billion people worldwide live in bamboo houses. The material’s remarkable strength—with a compressive strength exceeding concrete and tensile strength rivaling steel—makes it ideal for structural applications. In countries like China, unprocessed bamboo has long been used instead of timber and steel for various construction purposes. From residential buildings to bridges capable of supporting 16-ton trucks, bamboo’s structural applications continue to expand. According to UNESCO, just 70 hectares of bamboo can produce enough material to build 1,000 houses—a yield that would require significantly more land and time if using traditional timber. As sustainable building practices gain momentum globally, bamboo flooring, wall panels, and structural elements are finding their way into modern architecture, offering both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. Transforming Textiles and Fashion The textile industry—one of the world’s most polluting sectors—stands to benefit tremendously from bamboo integration. Bamboo fiber can be processed in two primary ways: Mechanical processing: Creates bamboo linen with minimal environmental impact Chemical processing: Produces bamboo rayon or viscose through more intensive chemical treatments When properly processed, bamboo textiles offer remarkable properties: Breathability and thermal regulation Superior moisture-wicking compared to polyester Natural antibacterial properties that resist odor Softness and comfort comparable to premium cotton From everyday clothing to luxury fabrics, bamboo’s presence in the fashion industry continues to grow as consumers and brands seek more sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. Reinventing Consumer Goods The versatility of bamboo makes it ideal for replacing plastic and other less sustainable materials in countless consumer products: Kitchen and Dining: Utensils, cutting boards, plates, and cups Personal Care: Toothbrushes, combs, razors, and bathroom accessories Home Furnishings: Furniture, decorative items, and household goods Office Supplies: Pens, pencils, desk organizers, and stationery Many of these products traditionally rely on plastics or hardwoods, making bamboo alternatives significantly more sustainable while maintaining functionality and often adding aesthetic appeal. Pioneering Energy Solutions Bamboo’s potential extends to the energy sector as well. Bamboo charcoal has been used for centuries as cooking fuel in Asian countries, and modern applications are expanding: Bamboo biomass for electricity generation Charcoal production for cooking and heating Bamboo vinegar (pyroligneous acid) extraction during charcoal production, yielding around 400 different chemical compounds used in cosmetics, agriculture, and food processing As the world seeks alternatives to fossil fuels, bamboo’s rapid growth makes it an increasingly attractive option for sustainable bioenergy production. Bamboo represents far more than just another sustainable material—it embodies a fundamental shift in how we think about resources and their applications. Its remarkable combination of growth rate, strength, versatility, and environmental benefits positions bamboo as a cornerstone material for the sustainable industries of tomorrow. From the buildings we live in to the clothes we wear, the products we use daily, and even the energy that powers our lives, bamboo offers sustainable alternatives that don’t require sacrificing quality or functionality. As global sustainability challenges intensify, bamboo’s star will continue to rise, potentially becoming one of the most important resources in our transition to a truly sustainable future. © BNBRC Burundi National Bamboo Research Center is dedicated to the sustainable development, conservation, and utilization of bamboo resources in Burundi. Our work spans scientific research, community education, and the promotion of bamboo-based technologies that support ecological balance and economic development. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.

OUR PARTNERS Institut Supérieur de Gestion des Entreprises Ministère des Finances, du Budget et de la Planification Économique Agence de développement du Burundi Université du Burundi COMESA © BNBRC Burundi National Bamboo Research Center is dedicated to the sustainable development, conservation, and utilization of bamboo resources in Burundi. Our work spans scientific research, community education, and the promotion of bamboo-based technologies that support ecological balance and economic development. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.

Bamboo, from Traditional Crafts to Contemporary Design and Architecture Author：Esteve-Sendra Chele https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.08.239 Abstract Discover bamboo and its wide variety of uses from food to furniture. Bamboo is a traditionally cultivated plant and used on continents and in different cultures. New technologies combined with traditional techniques awaken both the creator and the user with a spirit of inspiration and innovation by applying bamboo’s practical qualities to the challenge of sustainability. In many cases, designers work in collaboration with artisans, creating different products, changing lifestyles and applying new technologies to create a world with sustainable products in an ecologically supportive way as social design. 1. Sustainable design: renewable fibers. Today global trends allow the environment and world economic power to take stock for the benefit of our planet. This extends the interest in natural materials who supply the wood, like bamboo and other plant fibers that regenerate much faster than traditional woods. Companies increasingly bet on the use of natural fibers in an attempt to be "green", which increases their philosophical points of view about "eco". According to the Brundtland Report: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts: first, the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and second, the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs." 2. Bamboo, rattan, wicker and other materials with similar characteristics. 2.1. Bamboo; common name, is a giant grass the group of plants belonging to the family of herbaceous grasses, which are characterized by long stems and woody shrubs that develop stems (culms) of large diameter and size. According to the Colombian architect Simon Velez, " G. Angustifolia bamboo is a renewable resource in the areas of construction and infrastructure, which is used structurally in homes and other buildings. With a grade above the normal stress, similar to steel and concrete in compression. It can be used for furniture, carpets, paneling, flooring, partitions, plumbing, roof, structure and forms, among many others." Bamboo furthermore is a food and alternative medicine. Since ancient times, bamboo has been a food for the peoples of East and for animals. Bamboo leaves have a high nutritional value and is also food for grazing, favorite food of elephants. In the human diet, the tender shoots are used in certain species and seeds. In India, they eat the stems of some flowers. In the field of natural medicine is beneficial for bones and skin. 2.2. Rattan or Rota (from Malay rotan) is the common name for some species native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia. They have slender stems 2-5 cm diameter with long internodes between the leaves. They are superficially similar to bamboo, but distinct in that the stems (Malacca) are solid rather than hollow, and they need some support, while bamboo can grow independently often at great heights without breaking . 2.3. Wicker, is a hard vegetal tissue fiber that comes from a family of shrub willows (genus Salix, Salix viminalis first and Salix fragilis and Salix purpurea), is knitted to create furniture, baskets and other useful objects. Other renewable fibers are abaca, coir, yute, sisal and kenaf or cannabis. 3. Bamboo: innovation and sustainability from our grandmothers shopping basket to computer case. The designers are investigating the capacities offered by natural fibers like bamboo in the development of products of high quality and innovation. They use bamboo in intensive technologies generating new products. Bamboo has been, in some cases associated to negative connotations. It is thought that bamboo products are, for example, of poor quality, cheap, rustic or neglected, or used to create vulgar handcrafts. The expectations of this material are increasing considering the wide possibilities of industrial processing of bamboo, seeking the profit of markets and the many opportunities in which traditional designs made by artisans can coexist with current trends. Industry can define new concepts in design and can explore innovative processing techniques. The artisans have had to frequently review and update their designs to meet the current demands of consumers. It is the designer of the product that is often due to update the design and its incursion in the field of social design. 3.1. Social design. In this new "social" way to address the future of crafts, fair commerce stores appear, as Oxfam, SKIP (Supporting Kids In Peru) and initiatives such as Project Kala derived from the collaboration of the Spanish textile company Nanimarquina with Care & Fair Association, who are carrying out the disclosure and the redesign of the main local crafts in the places where they operate. Similarly, projects such as a bank of designs created by Spanish designer and Professor Manuel Bañó and his team have been very successful in relation to these initiatives. From www.freedesignbank.org , craftsmen access for free to a platform where selected objects, created and designed by volunteers Spanish designers as a way of working with disadvantaged artisans from southern countries of Africa. Are marketed through the fair trade (Fair Trade), and has developed a project with more than 200 student volunteers since 1998. Another project, developed in Ghana and Kenya (Africa) is the Byke Project Bamboo as a sustainable transport alternative. Led by American designer Craig Calfee, bicycle Bamboosero is an example of the new products developed with bamboo. The production of bicycles in Ghana, in collaboration with local artisans, aims to open shops for export worldwide. The Byke Project Bamboo and the Earth Institute at Columbia University (USA) have studied the industrial manufacture of bicycles on a large scale in the above mentioned two populations of Ghana and Kenya. The flexibility of the material makes it suitable for absorbing shock which occurs in the road. In farming communities producing bamboo, these initiatives are proving to be very beneficial to the consumer as well as for farmers, and can create a responsible production and motivate companies to develop products of push technology. The role of farmers and artisans is not limited only to crop management, harvesting and transport, but to the influence on the final manufacture of bamboo products. The use of bamboo has spread to other applications such as computer Bamboo laptop designed for Asus Ecobook or BoxWave's case for the iPhone. These are products that follow the current market trends to satisfy a demanding and extremely selective consumer, the so called ‘hyper consumers’, which are collectors of experiences that create new emotional and hedonistic experiences, words uttered by the French philosopher and sociologist Gilles Lipovetsky. Another curious application is the production of motorcycle helmets designed by the French Company Roof. This is the first bamboo fiber hull, which has successfully passed the safety requirements required by the Standard E22-05, certification required for marketing in Europe. Undoubtedly, this product made with 100% sustainable natural fibers has among its properties that is derived from an unlimited source on which can be applied multiple mechanical possibilities of the material. Are also the manufactured bamboo fiber textiles for use in bedding, underwear and towels, in which bamboo is often mixed with other fibers such as cotton or polyester to achieve greater long lasting value. As the spinning process allows different textures, his touch is becoming increasingly soft even almost like silk; in comparison with cotton, which is also soft, we can say that bamboo is significantly softer. Bamboo is also used for medical and cosmetic products and for the container. It is also used for baby diapers made from bamboo, rayon, and its interior handmade and organic velvet-textured waterproof and breathable whose always-dry effect on baby's skin. Other applications have been inspired by bamboo furniture from the Ming dynasty, for example, spectacle frames. Designed with clean lines in remembrance of another time and true to the philosophy of order and minimalism are very light, and combine the aesthetics, craftsmanship and function. Figures 1, 2, 3. Upper right: Bamboo Spectacle Frames Inspired by Chinese Ming Dynasty Furniture. Source: Designboom. Middle; Motorcycle helmet, the R06 Roof, which consists of a shell constructed entirely from bamboo fiber. Source: Roof brand. Upper left: Bicycle Bamboosero designed by Craig Calfee. Source: Bamboosero. 3.2. Architecture and urbanisms applications. Among the architectural and urbanisms applications, we have the T4 Terminal (NAT) Barajas Airport (Madrid, Spain) is one of the most important construction projects in the world made of bamboo because it has an area of 1.2 million square meters. Designed by architect Richard Rogers Partnership (England) and Estudio Lamela (Spain), this project makes exemplary use of the shock absorbers of light. Bamboo is an excellent material when confronted with the vibrations of an earthquake: light, strong, rigid and elastic at the same time, making it ideal in construction. In the urban plan and outstanding example of architectural use of bamboo were the eleven buildings conjoining the organization INBAR (International Network for Bamboo and Rattan) for the Shanghai Expo 2010 (China), Especially the German Chinese House. The German Chinese House was the result of a scope of cooperation between Germany and China, the project Gemeinsan Bewegung (Forward Together), which aims to promote mutual understanding as a basis for successful cooperation to reinforce the image of Germany as a future-oriented country. The German Chinese House is not only the highlight of the architecture of the Shanghai Expo 2010, but also a pioneering example of the construction made from natural materials. It is a unique example of building with a two storey structure of bamboo in the world exhibition. The building is a very significant sustainable building. The project was developed by the designer and installation artist Markus Heinsdorff. Figures 4, 5, 6. Upper right: Terminal (NAT) Barajas Airport (Madrid, Spain). Source: Photographs by the author. August 2011. Middle; German Chinese House. General view. Source: Photographs by the author. September 2010. Upper left: The Spanish Pavilion, made by rattan, wicker and bamboo. Source: Photographs by the author. September 2010. Another highlight of the Shanghai Expo 2010 was the Spanish pavilion, known as the "Spanish basket." The project team was the study of Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue EMBT Architects, located in Barcelona and was founded by the Catalan architect Enric Miralles (1955-2000) and architect Benedetta Tagliabue, from Milan. The Spanish pavilion in its construction and content, was projected with the slogan: "From the city of our fathers to the city of our children." It offered a spectacular look that combines the latest technology with the use that was made in it, on a scale never seen before of one traditional material such as bamboo, wicker and rattan, with which it was completely covered its facade. Since the beginning of the project, raised the proposal to use these materials in the architecture of the Pavilion. In Tagliabue's words: "We found something very Spanish, but we faced with something new. Now we are discovering organic materials and natural heritage of wicker products use traditions of both countries, because in China there is a strong tradition of basketry. " These cutting-edge applications provide great versatility to the uses of bamboo, which added to his contribution in the field of social design place it at an alternative replacement for wood and often with other properties that place it in an advantageous position. 4. Conclusions If you want to plan for a year. Then plant seeds ... If you want to plan for 10 years. Then plant trees ... But ... if you want to make plans for 100 years. Then plant bamboo An old Chinese proverb 510 BC Acknowledgements To my parents, Professor Yongqi Lou, Professor José Antonio Ruíz Depin and the next bamboo Generations. References Jaramillo Suarez, Diego León y Sanclemente Manrique, Ana Gisella. Tesis: Estudio de uniones en guadua con ángulo de inclinación entre elementos. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería civil. Bogotá D.C. 2003, p.11. Kvavadze E, Bar-Yosef O, Belfer-Cohen A, Boaretto E,Jakeli N, Matskevich Z, Meshveliani T. 30,000-Year-Old Wild Flax Fibers. Science, 325(5946):1359. 2009. Lipovetsky, Gilles. El hiperconsumo en la era de la globalización. Conferencia I. Familias y globalización ¿Qué globalización, para que futuro? Martes, 14 de octubre 2008. Margalejo, Isabel. Con estos mimbres. Architectural Digest. Las casas más bellas del mundo, 50 (Septiembre 2010): 84 - 88 Margolin, Victor. Las políticas de lo artificial. Ensayos y estudios sobre el diseño. Designio Ediciones. 2008. Papanek, Victor. Design for the real world. Thames & Hudson. 1984 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development ONU (11-12-1987) Tagliabue, Benedetta. Pabellón de España, Exposición Universal de Shanghai 2010. Benedetta Tagliabue EMBT Arquitectes 2010. Vélez, G. 2001. El Humilde bambú “acero vegetal”. In Congreso Virtual de Arquitectura (2, 2001, Caracas, VE). Memorias. Caracas, VE. http://www.cientec.or.cr/provincias/provincias.html (Retrieved 11 -03- 2012) VVAA, Great Vision for the Future, World Expo 2010 Shanghai WU Siegfried Zhiqiang, Highlights of Expo 2010 Shanghai China Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, Expo 2010 Shanghai China Official Album. China Publishing Group Corporation Deutschland in China: Gemeinsan in Bewegung. Neue Klänge aus Deutschland Land der Ideen. Station Guandong Gould, S.J. The Panda's Thumb. (El pulgar del panda. Reflexiones sobre historia natural y evolución). W. W. Norton. Nueva York. 1980. Heinsdorff, Markus. The Bamboo Arquitecture, Design with Nature. 2010 Hirmer Verlag GMbH, Munchen (Retrieved 24-03-2012) http://elobservador.rctv.net/Noticias/VerNoticia.aspx?NoticiaId=226787&Tipo=32 (Retrieved 12 -03- 2012) http://www.bamboosero.com/ (Retrieved 10-04-2012) http://www.boxwave.com/ipad-cases-and-covers/true-bamboo-ipad-case/bwpdd/tzc-tmmw/ (Retrieved 14-03-2012) http://www.celticclothswholesale.com/pages/PULFabric.htm (Retrieved 14-03-2012) http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/9204/bamboo-glasses.html (Retrieved 20-03-2012) http://www.ecouterre.com/bamboo-spectacle-frames-inspired-by-chinese-ming-dynasty-furniture/ (Retrieved 20-03-2012) http://www.freedesignbank.org/?p=10 (Retrieved 10-04-2012) http://www.grassrootsresearchlabs.com/ (Retrieved 20-03-2012) http://www.inbar.int/ (Retrieved 20-03-2012) http://www.intermonoxfam.org/es/page.asp?id=1 (Retrieved 10-03-2012) http://www.investigacionaccion.com.ar/site/externos/guadua/trabajos/cania_folleto_420x1200.pdf (Retrieved 11 -02- 201) http://www.madridfranquicia.com/firma.php?id (Retrieved 10-02-2011) http://www.maternitydirect.co.nz/products/nappies/washable-bamboo-nappies/ (Retrieved 20-03-2012) http://www.nanimarquina.com/es/empresa/care-and-fair (Retrieved 10-04-2012) http://www.petitesglories.com/7-panales-estampados (Retrieved 20-03-2012) http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/bamboo-silk-face-powder/07033.html (Retrieved 20-03-2012) http://www.remadeinargentina.com.ar/mundosustentable.htm (Retrieved 11 -02- 2012) http://www.richardrogers.co.uk (Retrieved 20-03-2012) http://www.skipperu.org/ (Retrieved 10-04-2012) http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/archives/2495-The-Sonia-Kashuk-for-Target-Spring-2010-Limited-Edition-Collection.html (Retrieved 20-03-2012) http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/42/ares42-187.htm (Retrieved 05-03-2012) © BNBRC Burundi National Bamboo Research Center is dedicated to the sustainable development, conservation, and utilization of bamboo resources in Burundi. Our work spans scientific research, community education, and the promotion of bamboo-based technologies that support ecological balance and economic development. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.

Benedict Omondi holding his golden bamboo Omondi, a pioneer bamboo farmer, is convinced that the initiative will aid in reducing degradation of the Sio-Siteko transboundary wetland that borders his land. He has planted more that 100 bamboo trees on his six acre farm. He says that with the help of Eco-Green Kenya, he and other farmers also have a market for their bamboo, which is used in making beds, trays, tables, lampshades, baskets and in the construction of houses The income Omondi, a retired schoolteacher, receives from his bamboo has offered him a lifeline. "Each tree, when harvested, fetches Kenya Shillings 500 (S5). The bamboo shoots are also edible and have medicinal value, and the leaves are used to feed livestock," he says. Namandi says that, initially, local community members were sceptical about their prospects as bamboo farmers, with low adoption numbers, although farmers like Omondi who embraced the project have seen the benefits. Bamboo Plays an Important Role in Regenerating East African Transboundary Wetlands Article by Justus Wanzala Published on January 11, 2022 Farmer Benedict Omondi on his wetland bamboo plantation in western Kenya A 2020 Wetlands International report noted that the Sio-Siteko wetlands faced many challenges to its survival, including a fast-growing population, high levels of poverty, and weak governance systems and structures. But as a 2015 report by social networking conservation platform Tunza Eco Generation noted, bamboo is an effective tool both for reversing wetlands degradation and alleviating poverty. "No other woody plant matches bamboo's versatility in environmental conservation and commerce to societies living near wetlands ecosystems and their associated riparian catchments areas throughout the world," the report said. Jackline Namadi, the coordinator of Eco-Green Kenya, a Busia based community organisation that promotes bamboo cultivation, agrees. She says they are working with other stakeholders to promote bamboo. "We work with the county government, the ministry of Environment and Forestry in Kenya, and conservation organisations and communities in Kenya and Uganda to conserve the wetlands and ensure livelihoods," says Namandi. Robert Sunya, the Dutch Sino East Africa Bamboo Development Program technical officer for the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation INBAR) says, *The future is bright; a county like Busia already has 4,000 bamboo farmers, It is high time students in tertiary institutions pursued bamboo related studies to start their own enterprises and harness available opportunities.* Likewise, Dennis Chirande, director of Environmental and Natural Resources for Busia County, says the county government appreciates the role bamboo plays in conserving and regenerating local wetlands, and has submitted a strategy paper to promote its adoption. Chirande says his department has a nursery with 10,000 bamboo seedlings to distribute to farmers living along the Sio-Siteko transboundary wetland. According to Chirande, bamboo cultivation will also increase tree cover in the county, which currently stands at Jess than 5% of the land. There have been challenges, In Busia, Namandi says, the bamboo seeds for the second phase of planting failed to germinate properly. Seedlings have also been regularly affected by seasonal flooding and livestock encroachment. "We plant the seedlings during the dry season to avoid the effect of floods, meaning they must be watered, which is costly," she adds. "Erratic rainfall has also compelled communities around the wetland to invade it for food cultivation, because during droughts, it is the only land that has moisture to grow food and it's fertile" There's also been a problem with differing land tenure systems in Kenya and Uganda. Whereas Kenyan farmers have individual ownership of parts of the wetland and can easily make decisions on their use, in Uganda wetlands are communally owned, and are used for grazing land, which means collective decisions are required to change their use. "In Uganda it is difficult to change [wetland] use and some fear it will deny their livestock pasture lands," says Namandi. The impact of this variation in the laws of the two countries has led Eco-Green Kenya and its partners to sign conservation agreements with communities to ensure the focus is on collaboration and partnership to avoid programmes getting bogged down by legalities. Further afield, Nellie Mugure Oduor, INBAR's national coordinator, says its Dutch-Sino East Africa Bamboo Development Programme (which is in its second phase, 2020-2023) is underway in Ethiopia as well as Kenya and Uganda, funded by the Netherlands and China. Programme objectives include creating sustainable and lucrative bamboo value chains for industry and small-to-medium enterprises by upscaling existing value chains and diversifying into new ones. Accarding to Oduor, the programme is expected to directly benefit some 28,500 people, as well as restore 5,000 hectares of degraded land with bamboo, and enhance sustainable management practices for 5,000 hectares of bamboo plantations and farms in the three countries. "The target groups are smallholder farmers, women, youth, small-to-medium enterprises and larger industries," she notes. In Cameroon, another INBAR programme is evaluating the potential of bamboo and other native, non-timber forest products to restore degraded land in the country and create new income streams. In 2016-19 INBAR also successfully implemented a World Bank-funded programme in Ethiopia. Overall, Oduor says, 12 exotic bamboo Species were introduced, two million seedlings produced and some 400 hectares of bamboo planted. Another key INBAR project, she says, is located on the transboundary Mara River shared by Kenya and Tanzania. 'This project includes restoring river banks along the Mara River by creating bamboo plantations on riparian zones, soil and water restoration, carbon sequestration estimated at 1,500 tons and improving the livelihoods of the communities," she says. According to the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)'s programme on forests, trees and agroforestry (FTA). Uganda also has a National Bamboo Strategy and Action Plan for 2019-2029, whose focus is on managing the country's bamboo resources to provide economic, social and environment benefits for all. In addition, in Kenya, there are collaborative efforts between stakeholders and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to develop a bamboo policy and the creation of an enabling environment for bamboo value addition through, for instance, taxation and exploring the ssue of product standards. In addition, asthe sector grows, the need for investment in capacity development and research in new technologies is emerging. But while bamboo is a game changer in tackling climate change challenges, wetland degradation and the protection of livelihoods. Namandi emphasises that communities must take a leading role. "We work with many stakeholders, but to attain much, the ball is in the hands of individuals and their communities © BNBRC Burundi National Bamboo Research Center is dedicated to the sustainable development, conservation, and utilization of bamboo resources in Burundi. Our work spans scientific research, community education, and the promotion of bamboo-based technologies that support ecological balance and economic development. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.

COLLABORATION STRATEGY In 2018, BNBRC entered into a strategic collaboration with a Chinese technical partner to conduct an experimental cultivation project for clumping bamboo. Under this partnership, the technical provider supplied high-quality bamboo species and professional planting expertise to ensure the successful implementation of the project. CULTIVATION Through scientific cultivation management and technical guidance, the trial planting zone successfully yielded clumping bamboo well-adapted to the local environment, demonstrating its growth potential and economic value in the region. This initiative not only accumulated valuable experience in bamboo cultivation but also laid a solid foundation for future large-scale promotion and industrial development. FUTURE Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen technical cooperation, optimize cultivation methods, and explore the applications of clumping bamboo in ecological restoration, construction materials, and other fields, driving innovation in sustainable development and green economic models. PARTNER We welcome opportunities to establish strategic partnerships with organizations committed to advancing bamboo research and development initiatives. Our team is dedicated to cultivating collaborative relationships that drive innovation in sustainable bamboo applications. Please contact by filling out the form below. Click to fill out the form © BNBRC Burundi National Bamboo Research Center is dedicated to the sustainable development, conservation, and utilization of bamboo resources in Burundi. Our work spans scientific research, community education, and the promotion of bamboo-based technologies that support ecological balance and economic development. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.

The China-Africa Bamboo Centre to be Built in Ethiopia Bilateral discussion has took place between the 'National forestry and Grass land Administration office for National Afforestation Committee' of china and officials from the Ethiopian Environment, Forest and climate change commission. In an hours of discussion, the parties has agreed to build the Africa-china bamboo center in Ethiopia whose agreement signed and feasibility study has completed before. The Chinese government has granted 400 million Yuan to build the center last September. It was mentioned by the chinise deligates that the issue was discussed between the p.m. of Ethiopia his Excellency Dr. Abiey Ahemed and the Chinese officials last September while the Africa-china road and belt initiative was held. Speaking at the discussion, commissioner to the Ethiopian Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission his Excellency prof. Fekadu Beyene told the deligation that, the relation between China and Ethiopia is strategic and that china stayed a dependable partner to the development of Ethiopia. Professor also explained the team that, Ethiopia has embarked on a new era of enhancing its green development strategy in to the best of its' excellence and that the built of the "Africa-China BAMBOO center in Ethiopia" is very crucial. It was also expressed that the support to the building of "Beautifying Sheger" project by the Chinese government is part of the national green development strategy. The addis project is also mentioned to double its’ importance as the investment is to rebuild the political capital of Africa which stayed the get way to every Africa. Deputy executive director to the Chinese "National Forestry and Grass Land Administration office for national Afforestation Committee" Madam Hu Zhangcui said in the discussion that, the government of china is eager and willing to work and support development projects in Ethiopia. As part of this commitment the director said, the government of China has financing the Africa-china bamboo center and is getting engaged to technical supports of different projects both in Ethiopia and other African countries. Explaining the potential that Ethiopia has both on bamboo and other forest items, the forest sector deputy commissioner to the Ethiopian Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission excellency Mr. Kebede Yimam said that, the urgent establishment of the bamboo center will speed up the economic and diplomatic benefits of Ethiopia. © BNBRC Burundi National Bamboo Research Center is dedicated to the sustainable development, conservation, and utilization of bamboo resources in Burundi. Our work spans scientific research, community education, and the promotion of bamboo-based technologies that support ecological balance and economic development. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.

Bamboo in Africa A Green Bounty Pyramids, diamond mines and safaris through the Serengeti, just a few things that come to mind when we think of Africa. And somewhere, near the bottom of a very long list, we might encounter bamboo. But Africa, a continent shrouded in mystery, is actually home to a surprising abundance of the miracle grass, bamboo. Read The Article GALLERY SEE MORE THE CHINA-AFRICA BAMBOO CENTER TO BE BUILT IN ETHIOPIA Bilateral discussion has taken place between the 'National forestry and Grass land Administration office for National Afforestation Committee' of China and officials from the Ethiopian Environment, Forest and climate change commission. BAMBOO PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN REGENERATING EAST AFRICAN TRANSBOUNDARY WETLANDS A 2020 Wetlands International report noted that the Sio-Siteko wetlands faced many challenges to its survival, including a fast-growing population, high levels of poverty, and weak governance systems and structures. A Guide to Bamboo Types Read The Article © BNBRC Burundi National Bamboo Research Center is dedicated to the sustainable development, conservation, and utilization of bamboo resources in Burundi. Our work spans scientific research, community education, and the promotion of bamboo-based technologies that support ecological balance and economic development. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.

Reading List The following publications have significantly informed our work and offer valuable perspectives on topics discussed throughout this site. These resources provide excellent background for those interested in exploring these subjects further. Read Now LATEST ARTICLES Discover our comprehensive library of expert bamboo articles and insights The China-Africa Bamboo Centre to be Built in Ethiopia Read Now Bamboo Plays an Important Role in Regenerating East African Transboundary Wetlands Read Now A Review on Bamboo Resource in the African Region: A Call for Special Focus and Action Read Now Bamboo in Africa: A green bounty Read Now Bamboo: From Traditional Crafts to Contemporary Design and Architecture Read Now Bamboo Application in Building Design: Case Study of Green School, Bali, Indonesia Read Now What is Bamboo Used For? Exploring 10 Sustainable Applications Read Now Bamboo fibre: A sustainable solution for textile manufacturing Read Now © BNBRC Burundi National Bamboo Research Center is dedicated to the sustainable development, conservation, and utilization of bamboo resources in Burundi. Our work spans scientific research, community education, and the promotion of bamboo-based technologies that support ecological balance and economic development. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.

A Review on Bamboo Resource in the African Region: A Call for Special Focus and Action First published: 08 March 2021 https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8835673 Abstract Bamboo forests are undoubtedly one of the most abundant nontimber plants on Earth and cover a wide area of tropical and subtropical regions around the world. This amazing plant has unique rapid growth and can play an important role in protecting our planet from pollution and improving the soil. Bamboo can be used as a biofuel, food, and for architecture and construction applications and plays a large role in the local economy by creating job opportunities. The aim of this paper is to review the extraordinary tropical plant bamboo by explaining the mechanisms related to the growth and strength of bamboo and identifying ways to utilize bamboo in industry, employment, climate change mitigation, and soil erosion reduction. 1. Introduction Bamboo, in the Poaceae family and the Bambusoideae subfamily [1 , 2 ], is one of the most abundant plants in tropical and subtropical regions between 46°N and 47°S [1 , 3 , 4 ]. Bamboo can be the most important economic resource for local people of this area [1 ]. These woody-stemmed grass [2 ] species are known as some of the fastest growing plants in the world, and one native plant in Asia plays an important economic role in the livelihoods of local people living in this area [5 ]. Characteristics, such as fast growth, high biomass, and yield in a short time and high efficiency in few years, have allowed bamboo to be identified as a superior herb [6 ], which is categorized as a nontimber forest product (NTFP) plant [7 ]. Bamboos are used in almost 1500 commercial goods [8 ], which are utilized in many ways, from construction materials, food profiling, and musical instruments [5 ] to the production of paper pulp, fencing, basketry [9 ], water pipes, utensils [10 ], bicycles [11 ], bridges [12 ], and low-rise housing [13 ]. According to the FAO in 2010, bamboo covers more than 31 million hectares of forestland around the world, and more than 60% of it is located in China, Brazil, and India [14 ], while it is abundant in other countries on three continents, namely, Asia, Latin America, and Africa; moreover, bamboo covers more than 0.8% of the forest area in the world [15 ]. Generally, 80% of bamboo forests are in Asia, 10% in Africa, and 10% in Latin America [16 ]. In the world, bamboo contains 1225–1500 species in approximately 75–105 genera [17 ]. Among these countries, China, with more than 500 species in 39 genera, is one of the countries with native bamboo, which is called “The Kingdom of Bamboo” [18 ], where bamboo covers more than 6.01 million hectares of China's forests [19 ]. This amazing herb famously has different local names in Asia and is called “friend of people,” “wood of the poor,” and “the brother” in China, India, and Vietnam, respectively [20 , 21 ]. One of the most important features of bamboo is the rapid rate it reaches maturity, which can be three years, while other woods need approximately 20 years to reach maturity. The bamboo growth rate is also stunning; in some reported cases, it is approximately two inches per hour, and the height can reach 60 feet in only 3 months [22 ]. All these reasons have led to an increase in Chinese bamboo forests from 4.21 to 6.01 mil·ha (43%) from 1998 to 2013 [23 ]. Bamboo has great potential for use in construction because it has nodes, which improve bending and tensile strengths and can be compared with steel and cement [24 ]. Bamboo is a renewable bioresource that can have a short period of growth with a high CO2 fixation rate [25 ]. Bamboo can absorb approximately 3.73 cubic meter of CO2, which means it can absorb the equivalent of carbon dioxide emissions from approximately 2 cars in one day and 1.83 kg carbon in less than one month, so it can be a good option for reducing global warming and climate change [26 ]. Bamboo is one of the most economical forest plants, and new applications of bamboo are found every few years. In recent years, the entry of bamboo into the textile industry has created antibacterial and UV absorption bamboo clothing, which is caused by a characteristic of lignin in the bamboo fiber [27 , 28 ]. One experiment on the removal of two bacteria, S. aureus and E. coli, showed that the use of the bamboo fiber led to the maintenance of 88% of the antibacterial properties after 20 washes, as well as anti-UV properties, which increased from 8.16 to 18.18 when using bamboo pulp fibers [29 ]. In general, today's bamboos play a considerable role in human life, and they cover a wide range of human needs from environmental protection to use as home appliances. The aim of writing this paper is to identify the most commonly utilized bamboo for researchers by describing the mechanisms available in this unique plant. Below are the most important ones. 2. Bamboo Is Uniquely Tall and Fast Growing Bamboos belong to the Poaceae (Gramineae) family, and they are known to be a fast-growing and the tallest species in this family [30 , 31 ]. The bamboo rhizomes in bud sites lead to the emergence of new bamboo shoots, which expand into a new culm [32 ]. Bamboo culms emerge in spring, while bamboo root systems and rhizomes expand throughout the year, but growth will increase during the summer and autumn [33 ]. Culms are divided into nodes, and nodes are separated from each other by internodes [34 ]. In bamboo, growth stages have three steps, and they are made with changes in the cell's structure, which include division, expansion, and hardening of cell walls [35 ]. According to the definition of these 3 steps in the bamboo life cycle, cell division is related to regulation of hormone interaction between plants, while in the cell expansion cycle, cells can be expanded with the process of cellulose synthesis by turgor pressure. In addition, secondary cell wall deposition leads to hardening in cell walls [36 ]. On the other hand, in addition to cellular processes, bamboo elongation is dependent on physiological structure, such as lignification. The lignification process is different for various plants, but it generally has 3 mechanisms in the stem, which include the polymerization of lignin precursors, transport, and biosynthesis. The identification of distribution and content of lignin is important to determine the critical period of bamboo elongation and biomass. The results of one study indicated that when the content of lignin in the culm reaches half of the mature culms at the end of June, growth elongation became complete [37 ]. However, the most important reason involved in the explosive growth of bamboo is related to nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs). Generally, the main products obtained by photosynthesis are soft carbohydrates (SCs) and nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), of which SCs are composed of pectin hemicelluloses, lignin, and cellulose but NSCs include starch and soluble sugars. NSCs are large and as a source of carbon play a vital role in exploring the period of time of bamboo shoot growth when it cannot provide carbon independently. In one study, it was shown that when shoots are growing, NSCs are simultaneously being transferred from their branches, leaves, rhizomes, and trunks to shoots, and this transfer stops when young shoots obtain enough photoassimilates and enough carbon [38 ]. The rate of bamboo growth in the culm is different and dependent on species, but it can be from 9.7 to 24.5 cm·d−1 for Bambusa oldhamii (synonyms Leleba oldhami) and Phyllostachys makinoi [39 ], respectively, to more than 100 cm·d−1 for Phyllostachys edulis [40 ]. This range of culm growth in different bamboo species can be between 7.5 and 100 cm−1 [41 ]. 3. Bamboo Protects O2 and CO2 on Earth Bamboo plants, with more than 40 million hectares around the world, are one of the most important plants in improving climate change due to the high bamboo biomass stocks and carbon storage [42 ]. Bamboo can sequester and capture atmospheric carbon within its lifespan, which can offset CO2 emissions by storing high concentrations of CO2 in the hollow parts of bamboos. CO2 effluxes have been reported from culm, buds, and nodes [43 ]. Many studies have reported the role of bamboo forests in global carbon cycling [44 –49 ]. Among bamboo species, moso bamboo, which represents 75% of all bamboo forest area in China [19 ], has been known as a carbon sink and has a high ability for carbon sequestration [50 –52 ]. Carbon in the bamboo rhizome system can be transferred to new culms and aerial organs [53 ,54 ]. The average amounts of carbon stored by forests in China and the world are 39 mg·C·ha−1 and 86 mg·C·ha−1, respectively, while this average in bamboo forests in China is 169–259 mg·C·ha−1, which revealed the bold role of carbon stocks of bamboo species in China [55 ]. Bamboos are known to be successful plants at absorbing wastewater from agriculture, industry, animal breeding, and pollution, which can be related to the neutral characteristic in resistance to stresses. Bamboos, through their phytoremediation potential, can clean up polluted soils and can also accumulate silicon in their bodies to alleviate metal toxicity, and this accumulation in nature is up to 183 mg·g−1 of SiO2 [56 ]. In one experiment on the efficiency of three bamboo species on wastewater removal over 2 years, the results showed that the soil-bamboo system could remove 98% and 99% of organic matter and nutrients, respectively [57 ]. Therefore, bamboo is a great recommendation for decreasing the negative effects of climate change and a big sink of carbon in nature, which plays an important role in adjusting and improving human ecosystems [58 ]. 4. Bamboo Binds the Soil Bamboo plays a protective role in decreasing soil degradation, including the reduction of biodiversity, soil nutrient depletion, and soil erosion [59 –61 ]. In one study in a long-term monitoring experiment of bamboo, planting revealed that bamboo can decrease topsoil erosion in sloping croplands [62 ]. However, the intense management of bamboo has a negative effect on the soil microbial functional diversity and soil microbial activity, which are indicators of soil quality [63 ]. However, the results of other studies reported that bamboo as a fine biochar had a positive impact on increasing the microbial community related to size, impacting C cycling by decreasing their soil enzyme activity and led to increasing (higher) CO2 emissions [64 ]. On the other hand, the lack of right management in the annual harvest of shoots and timber for economic purposes led to a decreasing rate of output nutrients to input nutrients in the soil, which, according to the different structures of bamboo compared to other forest plants with high nutrient absorption, can convert forest soil to poor soil [58 ]. Many studies have reported that the biochar is a good application for emendation and decontamination in soil [65 –69 ]. Additionally, with some mechanisms, such as increasing pH in soil, the biochar can lead to the immobilization of heavy metals such as Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn in the soil [70 , 71 ]. In one study, Wang et al. indicated that bamboo as a biochar can reduce mobile fractions of some heavy metals, such as Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn, in soil and enhance the physiological efficiency in soybean exposed to soil contamination by increasing the number and weight of nodules of soybeans in contaminated soil [72 ], which has shown that bamboo species have phytoremediation potential to detoxify soils contaminated with heavy metals with the characteristics of high metal tolerance and extreme biomass production [73 ]. Bamboo charcoal has an important role in adjusting soil pH, enhancing nutrient absorption, and improving soil structure [74 ]. Additionally, bamboo, as a natural material, can improve the ductility and strength of the soil structure. In one study with a combination of bamboo chips with cement, the results showed that bamboo could increase erosion resistance and improve soft ground [75 ]. In general, studies have shown that bamboo can play an important role in improving the soil structure or can bind to the soil. 5. Bamboo Is Strong As a nontimber plant, bamboo is popular worldwide and rapidly produced [76 ]. Bamboo, because of microfiber structures with lignin and hemicellulose (lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC)), has a greater strength than concrete and steel by weight [77 ], and this strength is due to the thickness of the fiber in the sclerenchyma tissue [78 ]. The diameter of the fibers at the site of the nodes is another factor in the stiffness and bending of the bamboo, so that the fibers wrapped in it hold [79 ]. It prevents the generation of endless bamboo yarns [80 ]. At present, the diameter of these fibers in this region is between approximately 90 and 250 μm, which itself is a resistance factor against bending in bamboo [79 ]. Additionally, bamboo, because of low density (1.4 g/cm³) and high mechanical characteristics, can show high tolerance against pressure and bending [79 ]. The results of some studies have reported that the strength of bamboo is related to thickness, diameter, moisture content, and density, which increase with age, so that the age between 2.5 and 4 years has optimal strength, and then it will decrease after this age [81 , 82 ]. One of the most important cases that indicates the strength of bamboo is the use of bamboo in scaffolding. For many years, bamboo has been used as scaffolding in the construction industry in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Starting 2000 years ago, bamboo scaffolding was considered to have characteristics such as an increase in safety from the practical experience of workers, resistance to moisture, low cost, high adaptability, and for a short period of time, it has been used in the south of China, Hong Kong, and other countries in this area [13 ]. According to the above results, it is concluded that bamboo is one of the strongest tropical plants, with comparable strength to cement and steel. 6. Bamboo Is Flexible Flexibility and fracture toughness of bamboos come from the special cellular material in these plants [83 ]. Bamboo structure consists of fiber, which covers internal structures such as vascular bundles of parenchyma cells and the epidermis [83 , 84 ]. They are also pathways for the growth of the cracks in longitudinal and radial directions [83 ]. Epidermis, as thick sheaths, surround bamboo, while vascular bundles with longitudinal tissues play an important role in the transport of water and nutrients in the bamboo body by organs such as vessels and phloem. On the other hand, other parts are occupied by aerenchyma. However, all of these structures are covered by unidirectionally oriented fibers [85 ], which include 40% of a bamboo culm [86 ]. Bamboo fiber is mainly (90%) three parts, including lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses, which have an important role in mechanophysical characteristics of bamboo in flexural strength [22 ] and are related by chemical linkage and physical binding [87 , 88 ]. Therefore, lignin, hemicelluloses, and phenolic acids are involved in the strength of concentrations and covalent bonding in layers of the cell wall [22 ], and this bonding, in addition to increasing the mechanical strength, can lead to the resistance of the cell wall to biological degradation and can be vital for the rigidity of lignin in the cell wall [89 ], leading to the flexible character in bamboos. 7. Bamboo Biofuel Many studies have reported that bamboo, as a forest product, has potential for use as a biofuel, along with other woody plants [74 , 90 –92 ]. Bamboo, because of the high amount of sugar, is known to be a suitable plant for a feedstock of chemical products, such as lactic acid and fuel ethanol [93 ]. It can also be used as biogas [94 ]. Bamboo, as a fast-growing plant with a high yield of lignocellulosic biomass in short time, is considered a good option for use as a biofuel [95 ], such as bioethanol, by the top holocellulose content (high dry weight of more than 70%) [74 , 92 , 93 , 96 ]. Lignocelluloses have abundant sugar resources such as pentose and hexose and can be converted to fuel alcohol [97 , 98 ]. Moreover, bamboo biomass has key characteristics such as low lignin and high cellulose contents and is known to be a suitable material for the production of bioethanol [99 ]; moreover, the possibility of obtaining bioethanol from the SPS hydrolysate of bamboo has been shown [100 ]. It has reported that there is a possibility of extracting 143 L of ethanol in each dry ton of bamboo [99 ]. On the other hand, the process of producing 1 kg ethanol requires 8.5 kg of sulfuric acid, 65.8 L of process water, and 6.2 kg of bamboo [100 ]. Additionally, because of important characteristics such as the alkali index and low ash content [101 ], bamboo can be a good alternative for other woody plants for biofuel purposes [102 ]. However, bamboos need pretreatments, such as an alkaline peroxide treatment to remove rigid lignin, which covers holocellulose components, and these pretreatments can also optimize enzymatic saccharification for the production of sugars [93 ]. On the other hand, bamboo culms are known as resources of bioenergy, which in one experiment, showed that young culms are suitable for bioconversion process [103 ]. Among biofuels, butanol is important because of the ability to produce higher energy without blending with gasoline and the ability to transport it in existing gasoline pipelines [104 ]. In addition, the energy content is higher than that of ethanol [105 ]. The results have shown the high temperature, acid concentration, and time can increase the sugar yield of bamboo, which is obtained by conversion of lignocellulosic biomass in bamboo species to butanol [106 ]. Generally, bamboo can be used as a biofuel and for bioenergy. 8. Bamboo Is Beautiful (Used in Architecture) Bamboo, as a green and sustainable material, has an important role in new architecture, so that in the future, architecture based on green building will be built with bamboo as one of its most important materials. In this case, bamboo is very familiar among scientists because of its energy savings, zero fossil emissions, and environmentally friendly nature [107 ]. A simple comparison of the strength of joints in grains with bamboo joints shows that strength perpendicular to joints and strength parallel in joints in bamboo is 45% and 8% higher than the grains in internode parts [108 ]. Based on the growth factor, bamboo is one of the best options for wood products [16 ]. Bamboo, despite having some disadvantages, including the difficulty of modeling due to hard tissue, a rough texture, and rugged material properties, it still is important for design purposes because of some characteristics such as water resistance, bending resistance, hardness, and environmentally friendly nature [109 ]. Bamboo timbers are luxury woody material used in furniture, flooring, and architecture [110 ]. Among fibers, bamboo is useful because it is an abundant tropical plant, and its material distribution, microstructural shapes, low cost, and easy accessibility make it an excellent material to build woody houses throughout the world [111 ]. Bamboo scrimber, which is produced during processes such as exposing bamboo to hot dry air, has been reported as a good option for use in outdoor landscaping, garden furniture, decoration, and civil engineering. There are several reasons for this: the enhancement of water absorption, width swelling, and thickness in bamboo scrimber [112 ]. Recent studies have shown that bamboo combined with reinforced concrete can increase building (construction) resistance to earthquakes, which can be an important benchmark for the use of these forest resources in earthquake-prone areas [113 ]. The external resistance of bamboos, such as compressive, tensile, and static bending strength, shock and shear resistance, and elastic properties, is related to elements in bamboo including bamboo stalk parts, moisture content, and type of bamboo [108 ]. These properties in bamboo are much greater than those in woods, so that the compressive and tensile strength of bamboo are 20% and 2 times more than those of woods [107 ]. Bamboo, as an agricultural crop, has great potential for use in the design industry and polymer composites [114 ], which are identified as a natural engineering material [22 ]. 9. Bamboo Is Edible (Using Bamboo Shoots as Food) From a long time ago, bamboo shoots have been a tasty food with a high fiber content and have been eaten by the local people in southern Asia, especially in China [63 ,110 ]. Bamboo shoots are powerful sources of fiber, known as dietary fiber, with low fat and calorie contents [115 ]. Bamboo also has necessary amino acids, potassium, antioxidants, selenium [116 ], vitamins, carbohydrates, and protein. However, the Bamboo Age Index is important; in one experiment, Nirmala et al. reported that the amount of vitamins and the mineral content decrease with increasing age of bamboo [117 ]. Thus, young bamboo culm can be a resource for fiber and starch, which can be used for food applications, such as bamboo flour, pasta, meat products, cheese, yogurt, and bread. Additionally, it contains abundant phytosterols and dietary fiber, and it can be found in the commercial market as canned food [118 ]. The bread produced by yeast from bamboo shoot is of high quality. In one experiment, yeast from bamboo shoots was shown to have the highest specific volume with a high moisture content in the content of crust and crumb compared to other commercial yeasts, which makes the bread much softer and brighter and increases the quality of the bread [119 ]. Bamboo shoots are also considered for medical purposes for the treatment and control of cholesterol and diabetes from different products obtained from bamboo shoots, such as bamboo salt and bamboo vinegar [116 ]. On the other hand, in addition to humans, bamboo shoots are beneficial and tasty food for animals. Bamboo shoots are a source food for some rare animals such as African golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti), mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) [120 ], and especially panda, which guarantees the survival of the panda generation [121 ]. In general, bamboo, as a beneficial plant with plenty of fiber, plays a considerable role in the food chain of humans and especially in animals. 10. Bamboo Presents Opportunities Bamboo has been known as “poor man's timber” because more than 20 million tons of bamboo is often collected in rural areas by local people, which plays an important role in the local economy [122 ]. In China, there are approximately 200 species and 16 categories of bamboo cultivated for economic and ecological purposes [107 ]. Bamboo planting worldwide is approaching 220,000 km2, which produces 15–20 million tons of products annually [123 ]. It has been estimated that approximately US$2.5 billion of international trade is related to the bamboo industry every year, which directly or indirectly has provided 2.5 million jobs around the world [16 ]. Moso bamboo, as one of the largest species in Asia, has a share of US$5 billion in China's forest product industry each year [124 , 125 ]. Based on the reports of the State Forestry Administration of China in 2012, bamboo products have shown a significant increase of approximately US$19.7 billion [126 ]. There is one small market of bamboo, which is called the traditional market of bamboo, that directly provides income to local people, and these market products include chopsticks, handicrafts, bamboo shoots (food), and medicine. However, often bamboo businesses have been obtained by emerging markets, which use the woody timber of bamboo for flooring, roofing, construction, architecture, and furniture, which makes it responsible for almost 3–7% of the timber trade in the tropical and subtropical areas [122 ]. In general, all these statistical reports represent the important role of bamboo in local economies, as well as providing job opportunities. 11. Conclusion Bamboo is known as an ancient grass with woody timber that covers 1–3% of all tropical and subtropical areas. Bamboo has many uses, mainly in construction (flooring, roofing designing, and scaffolding), furniture, food, biofuel, fabrics, cloth, paper, pulp, charcoal, ornamental garden planting, and environmental characteristics, such as a large carbon sink and good phytoremediation option, improving soil structure and soil erosion. Bamboo has the highest growth rate of all tropical plants. After emerging as a shoot, bamboo can complete the growing process in both diameter and height in 35–40 days. The growth rate has been observed at up to one meter per day, that is, approximately 2.5 cm per hour. This extraordinary power of growth is due to the bouncy properties of the nodes and the intracellular structures of internodes. For thousands of years, bamboo has been an economic source of livelihood and a natural workshop for the employment of local people. However, in recent decades, this economic resource has expanded out of its border and has led to the creation of jobs for many people around the world, such that it has provided 2.5 million jobs around the world. Bamboo as a green and sustainable material plays an important role in new architecture, so that in the future, architecture based on green building will be built with bamboo as one of its most important materials. In this case, bamboo is very familiar among scientists because of its energy savings, zero fossil emissions, and environmentally friendly characteristics. The ability to use bamboo as a timber wood, with special characteristics such as being lightweight, low in cost, and having high performance, makes it a green material in construction and architecture. Flexibility and fracture toughness of bamboos come from the special cellular material in these plants. Bamboo protects the planet. Bamboo forests can reduce the negative effects of global warming so that bamboo can store and absorb carbon and CO2 in its organs, and as one phytoremediation option, it can also detoxify environmental contaminations. Bamboo binds the earth so that bamboo as a biochar can improve soil structures; thus, bamboo has a protective role in decreasing soil degradation, including the reduction of biodiversity in soil nutrient depletion and soil erosion. Because bamboo has a high yield of lignocellulosic biomass in a short time, it is considered a good option for use as a biofuel. Bamboo shoots, as a tasty food with high fiber content, have been eaten by local people in southern Asia, especially in China. Additionally, bamboo products obtained from the bamboo shoots are used in traditional medicine to control many diseases, including diabetes and cholesterol. So, all of these factors indicate the importance of recognizing this tropical plant. It seems that the most bottleneck problems existing in bamboo are related to lack of awareness of bamboo potentials and as well as a lack of enough attention to the development of marketing in this sector. So, the governmental organizations and national campaigns can help to raise awareness about bamboo. In this regard, it can be used from the experiences of leading countries in this field such as China. Due to the high demand for the use of environmentally friendly green products, the global bamboo market is expected to grow substantially in the near future. On the other hand, use of bamboo woods as one low-cost construction material encourages countries to use bamboo in the development of cities and villages, which can greatly contribute to the development of the bamboo trade in the world. The authors' goals for authoring this review article are to describe the uses of bamboo plants in today's life, clarify some of the mechanisms involved in bamboo growth and strength, and recall the key role of bamboo plants in improving climate change and global warming that have not been commonly mentioned. Acknowledgments This work was supported by the financial support provided by Nanjing Forestry University (Start-Up Research Fund) and the Bamboo Research Institute for the current study. Special fund for this work was provided by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Integration and Demonstration of Valued & Efficiency-Increased Technology across the Industry Chain for bamboo, 2016 YFD0600901). References 1.Wu F.-H., Liu N.-T., Chou S.-J., et al. Identification of repressed gene transcript accumulation in three albino mutants of Bambusa edulis munro by cDNA microarray analysis. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2009;89(13):2308–2316. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.3725. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 2.Ruiz-Sanchez E., Sosa V., Ortiz-Rodriguez A. E., Davidse G. Historical biogeography of the herbaceous bamboo tribe olyreae (bambusoideae: poaceae) Folia Geobotanica. 2019;54(3-4):177–189. doi: 10.1007/s12224-019-09342-7. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 3.Yeasmin L., Ali M. N., Gantait S., Chakraborty S. Bamboo: an overview on its genetic diversity and characterization. 3 Biotech. 2015;5(1):1–11. doi: 10.1007/s13205-014-0201-5. [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 4.Bitariho R., McNeilage A. Population structure of montane bamboo and causes of its decline in echuya central forest reserve, south west Uganda. African Journal of Ecology. 2008;46(3):325–332. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2007.00840.x. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 5.Cho E., Um Y., Kwan Yoo S., et al. An expressed sequence tag analysis for the fast-growing shoots of Bambusa edulis murno. Journal of Plant Biology. 2011;54(6):p. 402. doi: 10.1007/s12374-011-9179-2. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 6.Yu Y., Jiang Z., Fei B., Wang G., Wang H. An improved microtensile technique for mechanical characterization of short plant fibers: a case study on bamboo fibers. Journal of Materials Science. 2011;46(3):739–746. doi: 10.1007/s10853-010-4806-8. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 7.Van der Lugt P., Vogtländer J., Brezet H. Beijing, India: INBAR; 2009. Bamboo, a sustainable solution for western europe- design cases, lcas and land-use. Technical Report. [Google Scholar ] 8.Li Z.-H., Kobayashi M. Plantation future of bamboo in China. Journal of Forestry Research. 2004;15(3):233–242. doi: 10.1007/bf02911032. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 9.Pearson A. K., Pearson O. P., Gomez I. A. Biology of the bamboo chusquea culeou (poaceae: bambusoideae) in southern Argentina. Vegetatio. 1994;111(2):93–126. doi: 10.1007/bf00040331. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 10.Liu N.-T., Wu F. H., Tsay H.-S., Chang W.-C., Lin C.-S. Establishment of a cDNA library from Bambusa edulis Murno in vitro-grown shoots. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture. 2008;95(1):p. 21. doi: 10.1007/s11240-008-9409-6. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 11.Johnson S. Reinventing the Wheel. Princeton, NJ, USA: The Daily Princeton; 2008. http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2008/04/24/20982/%3e . [Google Scholar ] 12.Xiao Y., Zhou Q., Shan B. Design and construction of modern bamboo bridges. Journal of Bridge Engineering. 2010;15(5):533–541. doi: 10.1061/(asce)be.1943-5592.0000089. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 13.Chung K. F., Yu W. K. Mechanical properties of structural bamboo for bamboo scaffoldings. Engineering Structures. 2002;24(4):429–442. doi: 10.1016/s0141-0296(01)00110-9. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 14.Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Global Forest Resource Assessment 2010. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; 2010. [Google Scholar ] 15.Gu L., Zhou Y., Mei T., Zhou G., Xu L. Carbon footprint analysis of bamboo scrimber flooring-implications for carbon sequestration of bamboo forests and its products. Forests. 2019;10(1):p. 51. doi: 10.3390/f10010051. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 16.Lobovikov M., Guardia M., Russo L. World Bamboo Resources: A Thematic Study Prepared in the Framework of the Global Forest Resources Assessment. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization; 2007. [Google Scholar ] 17.Zhu Z. H. The Development of Bamboo and Rattan in Tropical China. Beijing, China: China Forestry Publishing House; 2001. [Google Scholar ] 18.Chen X., Zhang X., Zhang Y., et al. Changes of carbon stocks in bamboo stands in China during 100 years. Forest Ecology and Management. 2009;258(7):1489–1496. doi: 10.1016/j.foreco.2009.06.051. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 19.State Forestry Administration of China. Forest Resources in China-The 8th National Forest Inventory. Beijing, China: Statse Forestry Administration of China; 2015. [Google Scholar ] 20.Waite M. Sustainable textiles: the role of bamboo and comparison of bamboo textile properties. Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management. 2009;6:1–21. [Google Scholar ] 21.Farrelly D. The Book of Bamboo: A Comprehensive Guide to This Remarkable Plant, its Uses, and its History. London, UK: Thames and Hudson; 1984. [Google Scholar ] 22.Abdul Khalil H. P. S., Bhat I. U. H., Jawaid M., Hermawan M. A., Hadi Y. S. Bamboo fibre reinforced biocomposites: a review. Materials & Design. 2012;42:353–368. doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2012.06.015. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 23.Yuen J. Q., Fung T., Ziegler A. D. Carbon stocks in bamboo ecosystems worldwide: estimates and uncertainties. Forest Ecology and Management. 2017;393:113–138. doi: 10.1016/j.foreco.2017.01.017. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 24.Srivaro S. Potential of three sympodial bamboo species naturally growing in Thailand for structural application. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products. 2017;76(2):643–653. doi: 10.1007/s00107-017-1218-3. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 25.Riaño N. M., Londoño X., López Y., Gómez G. J. Plant growth and biomass distribution on Guadua angustifolia kunth in relation to ageing in the valle del cauca—Colombia. The Journal of the American Bamboo Society. 2002;16:43–51. [Google Scholar ] 26.Zhou G. M., Jiang P. K., Mo L. F. Bamboo: a possible approach to the control of global warming. International Journal of Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation. 2009;10:547–550. [Google Scholar ] 27.Afrin T., Tsuzuki T., Kanwar R. K., Wang X. The origin of the antibacterial property of bamboo. Journal of the Textile Institute. 2012;103(8):844–849. doi: 10.1080/00405000.2011.614742. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 28.Tarannum A., Kanwar R. K., Xungai W., Takuya T. Properties of bamboo fibres produced using an environmentally benign method. Journal.The Journal of The Textile Institute. 2014;105:1293–1299. doi: 10.1080/00405000.2014.889872. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 29.Zhang P., Lin H., Chen Y. Y. Anti-ultraviolet and anti-bacterial finish of bamboo pulp fabric treated by HBP-NH. Advanced Materials Research. 2011;175-176:598–601. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.175-176.598. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 30.Wysocki W. P., Clark L. G., Attigala L., Ruiz-Sanchez E., Duvall M. R. Evolution of the bamboos (bambusoideae; poaceae): a full plastome phylogenomic analysis. BMC Evolutionary Biology. 2015;15:p. 50. doi: 10.1186/s12862-015-0321-5. [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 31.Grosser D., Liese W. On the anatomy of Asian bamboos, with special reference to their vascular bundles. Wood Science and Technology. 1971;5:290–312. doi: 10.1007/bf00365061. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 32.Chiu W. B., Lin C. H., Chang C. J., et al. Molecular characterization and expression of four cDNAs encoding sucrose synthase from green bamboo Bambusa oldhamii. New Phytologist. 2006;170:53–63. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2005.01638.x. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 33.Kleinhenz V., Midmore D. J. Aspects of bamboo agronomy. Advances in Agronomy. 2001;74:99–145. doi: 10.1016/s0065-2113(01)74032-1. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 34.Wegst U. G. K. Bending efficiency through property gradients in bamboo, palm, and wood-based composites. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. 2011;4:744–755. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2011.02.013. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 35.Choi D., Kim J. H., Lee Y. Expansions in plant development. Advances in Botanical Research. 2008;47:p. 51. doi: 10.1016/S0065-2296(08)00002-5. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 36.Zhang L. Y., Bai M. Y., Wu J., et al. Antagonistic HLH/bHLH transcription factors mediate brassinosteroid regulation of cell elongation and plant development in rice and arabidopsis. Plant Cell. 2009;21:3767–3780. doi: 10.1105/tpc.109.070441. [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 37.Tsuyama T. N., Shimada T., Motoda T., et al. Lignification in developing culms of bamboo Sinobambusa tootsik. Journal of Wood Science. 2017;63:p. 551. doi: 10.1007/s10086-017-1651-2. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 38.Song X. C., Peng G., Zhou H., Zhang C. Dynamic allocation and transfer of non-structural carbohydrates, a possible mechanism for the explosive growth of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla) Scientific Reports. 2016;6 doi: 10.1038/srep25908.25908 [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 39.Lin W. C. Studies on the Growth of Bamboo Species in Taiwan. Taipei, Taiwan: Taiwan Forestry Research Institute; 1958. [Google Scholar ] 40.Ueda K. Studies on the Physiology of Bamboo; with Reference to Practical Application. Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto University; 1960. [Google Scholar ] 41.Buckingham K. P. J., Wu L., Ramanuja Rao I. V, et al. The potential of bamboo is constrained by outmoded policy frames. Ambio. 2011;40:544–548. doi: 10.1007/s13280-011-0138-4. [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 42.Lobovikov M., Yping L. Bamboo in climate change and rural livelihoods. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change. 2012;17:261–276. doi: 10.1007/s11027-011-9324-8. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 43.Zachariah E. J., Nair D. N., Johnson A. J., Kumar C. S. Carbon dioxide emission from bamboo culms. Plant Biology. 2016;18:400–405. doi: 10.1111/plb.12435. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 44.Terefe R., Jian L., Kunyong Y. Role of bamboo forest for mitigation and adaptation to climate change challenges in China. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports. 2019;24(1):1–7. doi: 10.9734/jsrr/2019/v24i130145. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 45.Mao F., Li P., Du H., et al. Optimizing selective cutting strategies for maximum carbon stocks and yield of moso bamboo forest using biome-BGC model. Journal of Environmental Management. 2017;191:126–135. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.01.016. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 46.Mao F., Li P., Zhou G., et al. Development of the biome-bgc model for the simulation of managed moso bamboo forest ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Management. 2016;172:29–39. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.12.013. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 47.Shang Z., Xu X., Shi Y., Zhou Y., Gu C. Moso bamboo forest extraction and aboveground carbon storage estimation based on multi-source remotely sensed images. International Journal of Remote Sensing. 2013;34:5351–5368. doi: 10.1080/01431161.2013.788260. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 48.Li X., Zhou G., Xu X., et al. Assimilating leaf area index of three typical types of subtropical forest in China from modis time series data based on the integrated ensemble kalman filter and prosail model. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. 2017;126:68–78. doi: 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2017.02.002. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 49.Du H. Q., Zhou G. M., Fan W., et al. Spatial heterogeneity and carbon contribution of aboveground biomass of moso bamboo by using geostatistical theory. Plant Ecology. 2009;207:131–139. doi: 10.1007/s11258-009-9659-3. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 50.Zhou G. M., Meng C. F., Jiang P. K., Xu Q. F. Review of carbon fixation in bamboo forests in China. The Botanical Review. 2011;77:262–270. doi: 10.1007/s12229-011-9082-z. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 51.Zhou G. X., Du H., Ge H., Shi Y., Zhou Y. Estimating aboveground carbon of moso bamboo forests using the k nearest neighbors technique and satellite imagery. Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing. 2011;77:1123–1131. doi: 10.14358/pers.77.11.1123. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 52.Du H. Q., Zhou G. M., Fan W., et al. Satellite-based carbon stock estimation for bamboo forest with a non-linear partial least square regression technique. International Journal of Remote Sensing. 2012;33:1917–1933. doi: 10.1080/01431161.2011.603379. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 53.Li Y., Zeng Q., Wu Z., Zhou G., Chen B. Estimation of amount of carbon pool in natural tropical forest of China. Forest Research. 1998;11:156–162. [Google Scholar ] 54.Komatsu H., Onozawa Y., Shinohara Y., Otsuki K. Canopy conductance for a moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) forest in western Japan. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. 2012;156:111–120. doi: 10.1016/j.agrformet.2012.01.004. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 55.Song X. G., Zhou H., Jiang H., et al. Carbon sequestration by Chinese bamboo forests and their ecological benefits: assessment of potential, problems, and future challenges. Environmental Reviews. 2011;19:418–428. doi: 10.1139/a11-015. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 56.Collin B., Doelsch C., Panfili F., Hazemann J. L., Meunier J. D. Evidence of sulfur-bound reduced copper in bamboo exposed to high silicon and copper concentrations. Environmental Pollution. 2014;187:22–30. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.12.024. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 57.Arfi V. D., Bagoudou N., Boisa G. Initial efficiency of a bamboo grove-based treatment system for winery wastewater. Desalination. 2009;246:69–77. doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2008.03.043. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 58.Sudhakara K., Jijeesh C. M. Bamboos: emerging carbon sink for global climate change mitigation. Proceedings of the Conference: National Workshop on Carbon Sequestration in Forest and Non Forest Ecosystems; February 2015; Jabalpur, India. [Google Scholar ] 59.Chen C. J. Ecological cultivation for bamboo forest. Journal of Fujian College of Forestry. 1996;16:188–192. [Google Scholar ] 60.Gao Z. Q., Fu M. Y. Comparison of underplant species diversity in different structured Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens stands. Journal of Zhejiang Forestry Science and Technology. 2005;25:1–5. [Google Scholar ] 61.Lou Y. P., Wu L. R. Growth dynamics of pure Phyllostachys pubescens stands transformed from mixed stands. Forestry Research. 1997;10:35–41. [Google Scholar ] 62.Lu H. F., Cai C. J., Zheng X. S., et al. Bamboo vs. crops: an integrated emergy and economic evaluation of using bamboo to replace crops in south Sichuan province, China. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2018;177:464–473. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.193. [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 63.Xu Q., Jiang P., Xu Z. Soil microbial functional diversity under intensively managed bamboo plantations in southern China. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 2008;8:1439–0108. doi: 10.1007/s11368-008-0007-3. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 64.Chen J. S., Li C., Liang Q., Fuhrmann J. J. Response of microbial community structure and function to short-term biochar amendment in an intensively managed bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) plantation soil: effect of particle size and addition rate. Science of The Total Environment. 2017;574:24–33. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.190. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 65.Cao X. D., Ma L. N., Gao B., Harris W. Dairy-manure derived biochar effectively: sorbs lead and atrazine. Environmental Science & Technology. 2009;43:3285–3291. doi: 10.1021/es803092k. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 66.Lucchini P., Quilliam R. S., Deluca T. H., Vamerali T., Jones D. L. Increased bioavailability of metals in two contrasting agricultural soils treated with waste wood-derived biochar and ash. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2014;21:3230–3240. doi: 10.1007/s11356-013-2272-y. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 67.Lucchini P., Quilliam R. S., Deluca T. H., Vamerali T., Jones D. L. Does biochar application alter heavy metal dynamics in agricultural soil? Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 2014;184:149–157. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2013.11.018. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 68.Uchimiya M., Klasson K. T. Screening biochars for heavy metal retention in soil: role of oxygen functional groups. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2011;190:432–441. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.03.063. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 69.Buss W., Kammann C., Koyro H. W. Biochar reduces copper toxicity in Chenopodium quinoa willd: in a sandy soil. Journal of Environmental Quility. 2012;41:1157–1165. doi: 10.2134/jeq2011.0022. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 70.Lu K., Bolan Y., Niazi N., et al. Effect of bamboo and rice straw biochars on the mobility and redistribution of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in contaminated soil. Journal of Environmental Management. 2017;186:285–292. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.05.068. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 71.Houben D., Evrard L., Sonnet P. Mobility, bioavailability and pH-dependent leaching of cadmium, zinc and lead in a contaminated soil amended with biochar. Chemosphere. 2013;92:1450–1457. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.03.055. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 72.Wang C. D., Alidoust X., Yang A. Effects of bamboo biochar on soybean root nodulation in multi-elements contaminated soils. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2018;150:62–69. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.12.036. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 73.Li S., Wang Y., Liu Q. Cu induced changes of ultrastructure and bioaccumulation in the leaf of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) Journal of Plant Nutrition. 2017;41(3):288–296. doi: 10.1080/01904167.2017.1380816. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 74.Sun Z. Y., Wang T., Tang Y. Q., Kida K. Development of a more efficient process for production of fuel ethanol from bamboo. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. 2015;38:1033–1043. doi: 10.1007/s00449-014-1345-8. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 75.Huang H., Jin S. H., Yamamoto H. Study on strength characteristics of reinforced soil by cement and bamboo chips. Applied Mechanics and Materials. 2011;71–78:1250–1254. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.71-78.1250. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 76.Peng Z. H., Lu Y., Li L. B., Zhao Q., Gao Z. The draft genome of the fast-growing non-timber forest species moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla) Nature Genetics. 2013;45:456–461. doi: 10.1038/ng.2569. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 77.Youssefian S., Rahbar N. Molecular origin of strength and stiffness in bamboo fibrils. Scientific Reports. 2015;5 doi: 10.1038/srep11116.11116 [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 78.Lo T. Y., Cui H. Z., Leung H. C. The effect of fiber density on strength capacity of bamboo. Materials Letters. 2004;58:2595–2598. doi: 10.1016/j.matlet.2004.03.029. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 79.Osorio L., Van Vuure A. W., Verpoest I. Morphological aspects and mechanical properties of single bamboo fibers and flexural characterization of bamboo/epoxy composites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites. 2010;30:396–408. doi: 10.1177/0731684410397683. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 80.Londoño X., Camayo G., Riaño N., López Y. Characterization of the anatomy of Guadua angustifolia (poaceae: bambusoideae) culms. The Journal of the American Bamboo Society. 2002;16:18–31. [Google Scholar ] 81.Sekhar A. C., Bhartari R. K. Studies of strength of bamboo: a note on its mechanical behaviour. Indian Forester. 1960;86:296–301. [Google Scholar ] 82.Espiloy Z. B. Effect of age on the physico-mechanical properties of some philippine bamboos bamboos in Asia and the Pacific. Proceedings of the Fourth International Bamboo Workshop; 1994; Bangkok, Thailand. FAO; pp. 180–182. [Google Scholar ] 83.Habibi M. K., Lu Y. Crack propagation in bamboo’s hierarchical cellular structure. Scientific Reports. 2014;4:5598–5604. doi: 10.1038/srep05598. [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 84.Low I., Che Z., Latella B. Mapping the structure, composition and mechanical properties of bamboo. Journal of Materials Research. 2006;21:1969–1976. doi: 10.1557/jmr.2006.0238. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 85.Li S. H., Zeng Q. Y., Xiao Y. L., et al. Biomimicry of bamboo bast fiber with engineering composite materials. Materials Science and Engineering. 1995;3(2):125–130. doi: 10.1016/0928-4931(95)00115-8. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 86.Liese W. Technical Report. Beijing, China: INBAR; 1998. [Google Scholar ] 87.Bridgwater A. V. D., Meier D. An overview of fast pyrolysis of biomass. Organic Geochemistry. 1999;30:1479–1493. doi: 10.1016/s0146-6380(99)00120-5. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 88.Deutschmann R., Dekker R. F. From plant biomass to bio-based chemicals: latest developments in xylan research. Biotechnology Advances. 2012;30:1627–1640. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.07.001. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 89.Toikka M., Teleman A., Brunow G. Lignin-carbohydrate model compounds: formation of lignin-methyl arabinoside and lignin-methyl galactoside benzyl ethers via quinone methide intermediates. Journal of the Chemical Society, Perkin Transactions. 1998;22:3813–3818. doi: 10.1039/a805627g. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 90.Engler B., Zhong G., Becker Z. Suitability of bamboo as an energy resource: analysis of bamboo combustion values dependent on the culm’s age. International Journal of Forest Engineering. 2012;23:114–121. doi: 10.1080/14942119.2012.10739967. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 91.Sun Y., Lin L. Hydrolysis behavior of bamboo fiber in formic acid reaction system. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2010;58:2253–2259. doi: 10.1021/jf903731s. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 92.Shimokawa T., Nojiri M. Effects of growth stage on enzymatic saccharification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of bamboo shoots for bioethanol production. Bioresource Technology. 2009;100:6651–6654. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2009.06.100. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 93.Yamashita Y., Shono M., Sasaki C., Nakamura Y. Alkaline peroxide pretreatment for efficient enzymatic saccharification of bamboo. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2010;79:914–920. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2009.10.017. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 94.Kobayashi F., Asada C., Nakamura Y. Methane production from steam-exploded bamboo. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering. 2004;97:426–428. doi: 10.1016/s1389-1723(04)70231-5. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 95.Magel E., Lütje G., Liese W. Soluble carbohydrates and acid invertases involved in the rapid growth of developing culms in sasa palmata (bean) camus. Bamboo Science and Culture. 2005;19:23–29. [Google Scholar ] 96.Zhang X. Y., Huang H. Y., Liu Y. X. Evaluation of biological pretreatment with white rot fungi for the enzymatic hydrolysis of bamboo culms. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation. 2007;60:159–164. doi: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2007.02.003. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 97.Herrera S. Industrial biotechnology—a chance at redemption. Nature Biotechnology. 2004;22:671–675. doi: 10.1038/nbt0604-671. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 98.Kuhad R. C., Singh A., Eriksson K. L. Microorganisms and enzymes involved in the degradation of plant fiber cell walls. Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology. 1997;57:47–125. doi: 10.1007/BFb0102072. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 99.Mathiyazhakan K. R., Sindhu P. E., Varghese S. V., et al. Bioethanol production from bamboo (dendrocalamus sp.) process waste. Biomass and Bioenergy. 2013;59:142–150. doi: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2013.10.015. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 100.Sun Z. Y., Tang Y. Q., Morimura S., Kida K. Reduction in environmental impact of sulfuric acid hydrolysis of bamboo for production of fuel ethanol. Bioresource Technology. 2013;128:87–93. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.10.082. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 101.Scurlock J. M. O., Dayton D. C., Hames B. Bamboo: an overlooked biomass resource. Biomass Bioenerg. 2000;19:229–244. doi: 10.1016/s0961-9534(00)00038-6. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 102.El Bassam N. D., Meier C., Gerdes C. Potential of producing biofuels from bamboo. Proceedings of the Vth International Bamboo Congress and the VIth International Bamboo Workshop; 2002; Beijing, China: [Google Scholar ] 103.Wi S. G., Lee D. S., Nguyen Q. A., Bae H. J. Evaluation of biomass quality in short-rotation bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) for bioenergy products. Biotechnology for Biofuels. 2017;10:p. 127. doi: 10.1186/s13068-017-0818-9. [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 104.Lee S. M., Cho M. O., Park C. H. Continuous butanol production using suspended and immobilized Clostridium beijerinckii ncimb 8052 with supplementary butyrate. Energy & Fuels. 2008;22:3459–3464. doi: 10.1021/ef800076j. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 105.Felisberto M. H. F., Miyake P. S. E., Beraldo A. L. M., Clerici T. P. S. Simultaneous pretreatment and saccharification of bamboo for biobutanol production. Food Research International. 2017;101:96–102. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.08.058. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 106.Kolawole F. O., Kana Z., Anuku K., Dauda M. Effects of pre-treatment on lignocellulosic butanol as a bio-fuel produced from bamboo using Clostridium acetobutylicum. Advanced Materials Research. 2016;1132:295–312. [Google Scholar ] 107.Yuan M. Application of bamboo material in modern architecture. Proceedings of the 5th Conference on Civil Engineering and Transportation, ICCET; November 2015; Niagara Falls, Canada. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 108.Jing L. Z., Jialiang G. Development of modern bamboo structures. Forest Engineering. 2013;5 [Google Scholar ] 109.Yang X. Innovative applications of bamboo in product design. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Product Innovation Management; July 2009; Berlin, Germany. pp. 187–191. [Google Scholar ] 110.Hong S. S. Preliminary study on fertilizing according to fertilizer prescript. Journal of Bamboo Research. 1987;6:35–41. [Google Scholar ] 111.Silva E. C. N., Walters C. M., Paulino G. H. Modeling bamboo as a functionally graded material: lessons for the analysis of affordable materials. Journal of Materials Science. 2006;41:6991–7004. doi: 10.1007/s10853-006-0232-3. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 112.Yu Y., Zhu R., Wu B. Fabrication, material properties, and application of bamboo scrimber. Wood Science and Technology. 2015;49:83–98. doi: 10.1007/s00226-014-0683-7. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 113.Terai M., Minami K. Fracture behavior and mechanical properties of bamboo reinforced concrete members. Procedia Engineering. 2011;10:2967–2972. doi: 10.1016/j.proeng.2011.04.492. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 114.Coutts R. S. P., Ni Y., Tobias B. C. Air-cured bamboo pulp reinforced cement. Journal of Materials Science Letters. 1994;13:283–285. doi: 10.1007/bf00571777. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 115.Bal L. M., Singhal P., Satya S., Naik S. N., Kar A. Bamboo shoot preservation for enhancing its business potential and local economy: a review. Journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2012;52:804–814. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2010.511321. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 116.Singhal P., Bal L. M., Satya S., Sudhakar P., Naik S. N. Bamboo shoots: a novel source of nutrition and medicine. Journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2013;53:517–534. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2010.531488. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 117.Nirmala C., David E., Sharma M. L. Changes in nutrient components during ageing of emerging juvenile bamboo shoots. Journal International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2007;58:612–618. doi: 10.1080/09637480701359529. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 118.Felisberto M. H. F., Miyake P. S. E., Beraldo A. L., Clerici M. T. P. S. Young bamboo culm: potential food as source of fiber and starch. Food Research International. 2017;101:96–102. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.08.058. [DOI ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 119.Ma’aruf A. G., Chung F. Y., Asyikeen Z. N. Potential of yeasts isolated from local fruits and bamboo shoot (Bambusa vulgaris) as leavening agent in white bread. Sains Malaysiana. 2012;41:1315–1324. [Google Scholar ] 120.Sheil D., Ngubwagye J. M., Heist M. V., Ezuma P. Bamboo for people, mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys: evaluating harvest and conservation trade-offs and synergies in the virunga volcanoes. Forest Ecology and Management. 2012;267:163–171. doi: 10.1016/j.foreco.2011.11.045. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 121.Liu J., Vina A. Pandas, plants, and people. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden. 2014;100:108–125. doi: 10.3417/2013040. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 122.Flynn A., Chan K. W., Zhu Z. H., Yu L. Sustainability, space and supply chains: the role of bamboo in anji county, China. Journal of Rural Studies. 2017;49:128–139. doi: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2016.11.012. [DOI ] [Google Scholar ] 123.Liu Z. J., Jiang Z. H. Bamboo pellets: a potential and commercial pellets in China. Scientia Silvae Sinicae. 2012;48:133–139. [Google Scholar ] 124.Peng Z. H., Zhang C. L. Transcriptome sequencing and analysis of the fast growing shoots of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) PLoS ONE. 2013;8 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078944.78944 [DOI ] [PMC free article ] [PubMed ] [Google Scholar ] 125.Wu Z. Y., Raven D. Y. Flora of China. Beijing, China: Science Press; 2006. [Google Scholar ] 126.State Forestry Administration of China. Statistical Yearbook of Forestry. Beijing, China: State Forestry Administration of China; 2012. [Google Scholar ] © BNBRC Burundi National Bamboo Research Center is dedicated to the sustainable development, conservation, and utilization of bamboo resources in Burundi. Our work spans scientific research, community education, and the promotion of bamboo-based technologies that support ecological balance and economic development. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice.