In rural areas of Fiji, bamboo plants are found in abundance, recognized for their sustainability, renewability, and versatility. Known as one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, bamboo has been utilized for generations as a building material in Fiji. Villages in Naitasiri and Namosi continue to showcase their bamboo structures, with some featuring exquisite woven designs crafted by artisans.
On September 18, Fiji and people worldwide observed World Bamboo Day, a celebration that highlights the numerous benefits of this remarkable plant. To mark the occasion, government officials and partners gathered at Colo-i-Suva Park, emphasizing the significance of bamboo in sustainability, environmental health, and economic advancement.
Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, noted that bamboo plays a crucial role in various sectors including construction and art, stating its rapid growth and ecological benefits make it an essential resource for the future. She highlighted that Fiji is home to around 20 bamboo species, including the native Polynesian bamboo, known as bitu dina.
The uses of bamboo in Fiji extend beyond construction, encompassing culinary applications and cultural practices, particularly since many species were introduced in the mid-1800s. Some varieties such as the punting pole bamboo and giant bamboo remain rare and localized, prompting a commitment to research and development aimed at expanding their uses.
A significant initiative to enhance the local benefits of bamboo is the Fiji Bamboo Project, financed by the New Zealand Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This project aims to promote sustainable production and utilization of bamboo as a construction material, addressing the shortage of resilient housing and fostering employment opportunities within the bamboo value chain.
According to the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), bamboo has been effectively utilized in housing across the Asia Pacific, showcasing its capacity to withstand severe weather like Category 5 typhoons. The GGGI plans to collaborate with local and international non-government organizations to implement the Fiji Bamboo Project, which commenced in June with a funding of USD 400,000.
The project’s focus is on using bamboo as a low-cost, sustainable alternative to imported materials, generating jobs for women, youth, marginalized groups, and farmers in Fiji. GGGI is conducting research with Fiji National University to assess local bamboo availability and species types, aiming to establish applications with private sector partners.
Sukulu Soko, founder of Sunnyville Bamboo, expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the importance of bamboo to local culture and resilience against climate threats. He noted that leveraging proven construction technologies from countries facing natural disasters could benefit Fiji’s housing standards, potentially creating local enterprises and improving living conditions.
Overall, this initiative aligns with the Fijian government’s efforts to eliminate informal settlements and provide affordable, climate-resilient housing over the next decade.