The National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC) actively participated in a significant milestone event by contributing to the launch of the National Bamboo Strategy and Action Plan in Dar es Salaam on Monday, February 19, 2024. During the event, NCMC representative specifically addressed the processes, criteria, and requirements for carbon credit projects in Tanzania. NCMC representative emphasized the overlooked potential of bamboo for generating carbon credits in Tanzania. He highlighted bamboo’s rapid growth rate, which allows for significant carbon removal in a relatively short timeframe compared to other tree species. This means that the majority of carbon benefits from bamboo cultivation can be realized within ten years after planting.
Hon. Angellah Kairuki, the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism demonstrated bold leadership in unveiling an ambitious Bamboo Strategy spanning from 2024 to 2031, signaling Tanzania’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and economic rejuvenation.
Minister Kairuki addressed a diverse audience comprising policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental advocates, emphasizing the pivotal role and timely importance of the strategy. She urged collaboration among all stakeholders in the bamboo value chain to harness the transformative potential of bamboo, both economically and in combating climate change.
Tanzania’s longstanding engagement with the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) since 1997 laid a foundation for this strategy. Minister Kairuki highlighted the launch as a crucial step forward, indicating a renewed and urgent focus on maximizing the environmental and economic benefits of bamboo.
The Bamboo Strategy encompasses two central pillars: leveraging bamboo cultivation for environmental conservation and economic development. From soil stabilization and carbon sequestration to the production of various bamboo-based products, the strategy aims to foster a sustainable economic model while preserving the environment.
Key to the strategy is mobilizing the private sector, NGOs, and local communities to cultivate bamboo on an unprecedented scale, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for a burgeoning bamboo industry, thus facilitating job creation and industrial growth.
The Tanzanian government has outlined specific directives to support the strategy’s implementation. The Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) will ensure the availability of high-quality bamboo seeds, while the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) will identify optimal cultivation areas to sustainably grow bamboo.
Moreover, the government’s inclusive approach involves translating strategic documents into Swahili and widespread dissemination to ensure the participation of all Tanzanians in this green revolution.
Recognizing the importance of technological innovation, the strategy encourages collaboration between institutions like the Forestry Industries Training Institute (FITI) and the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) to enhance the bamboo value chain with modern technologies, thus enhancing market competitiveness.
International collaboration with organizations like INBAR reinforces Tanzania’s commitment to global environmental standards while facilitating knowledge exchange and financial support for bamboo cultivation and product development.
Central to the Bamboo Strategy is the empowerment of local communities through education on bamboo cultivation and management, fostering a model of development where environmental stewardship and economic prosperity coexist.
Despite challenges such as climate variability and land availability, the strategy presents opportunities for innovation, international cooperation, and the development of a resilient green economy.
Minister Kairuki’s call to action extends beyond the bamboo industry, rallying national unity towards sustainable development, aligned with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision for a greener, more prosperous Tanzania.
The launch of the Bamboo Strategy signifies a beacon of hope for environmental conservation and economic development in Tanzania, supported by ongoing parliamentary committee efforts and stakeholder participation. As the strategy unfolds, Tanzania is poised to become a model for sustainable development, leveraging bamboo to address economic and environmental challenges while reaffirming its leadership in sustainability and commitment to a greener future for all.
FINAL-NATIONAL-BAMBOO-DEVELOPMENT-STRATEGY-AND-ACTION-PLAN-29-08-2023
