In rural areas of Fiji, bamboo plants thrive abundantly, recognized for their sustainability, renewability, and versatility. Known as one of the fastest growing plants globally, bamboo has been utilized as a building material in Fiji for generations.
Villages in Naitasiri and Namosi continue to showcase their bamboo-built homes, some of which feature intricate woven designs crafted by local artisans. On September 18, Fiji joined the international community in celebrating the potential of bamboo on World Bamboo Day, which has been observed annually since 2009 to promote the diverse benefits of this remarkable plant.
To mark the occasion, government officials and partners convened at Colo-i-Suva Park. Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, emphasized the significance of bamboo for sustainability, environmental health, and economic development. She stated, “Its rapid growth, ecological advantages, and wide range of applications, from construction to art, make bamboo a key resource for our future,” adding that bamboo is an integral part of Fijian culture and daily life.
Fiji hosts around 20 species of bamboo, including the indigenous Polynesian bamboo known as bitu dina (schizostachyum glaucifolium). Bamboo plays various roles in Fijian cuisine, construction, and cultural practices, with many species introduced in the mid-1800s becoming vital to Fiji’s ecosystem. Some species, like the punting pole bamboo (Bambusa tuldoides), the giant bamboo (dendrocalamus giganteus), and tali bamboo (gigantochloa apus), remain rare and localized.
The Fijian government aims to enhance local bamboo benefits through the Fiji Bamboo Project, funded by New Zealand and Ireland’s international aid programs. This initiative will promote the sustainable use of bamboo as a construction material, aiming to address the shortage of affordable housing in Fiji while minimizing environmental impacts from the construction industry. It also seeks to create job opportunities and business prospects throughout the bamboo value chain.
According to the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), bamboo has proven effective in housing throughout the Asia Pacific, capable of withstanding severe weather events. GGGI plans to collaborate with local and international NGOs to implement the Fiji Bamboo Project effectively.
Norbert Maass, GGGI’s Fiji representative, highlighted the potential of bamboo in developing various products, stating that the project is particularly significant due to its tangible impact on communities. Initiated in June with funding of $400,000 (FJ$884,687), the project focuses on utilizing bamboo for construction as a sustainable and cost-effective material, aiming to replace imports and create employment for marginalized groups in Fiji.
The project involves extensive research in partnership with the Fiji National University to assess local bamboo availability and species types. After establishing a solid foundation, GGGI plans to explore private sector partnerships to implement practical bamboo applications in construction.
Sukulu Soko, founder of Sunnyville Bamboo, expressed enthusiasm for the project, which he believes will elevate the understanding and use of bamboo in Fiji. His initiatives have fostered community training and advocacy for bamboo’s use in construction, and he emphasized the need to adopt proven technologies from countries experienced in bamboo construction. Soko believes this initiative will improve living standards in Fiji and support the development of local enterprises.
The project aligns with the Fijian Government’s goals to eradicate informal settlements and mitigate the impacts of climate change by providing affordable, climate-resilient housing over the next decade.