15th World Bamboo Day Celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- September 18-21, 2024 :: South Asia Bamboo Foundation (SAbF) -

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15th World Bamboo Day Celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The South Asia Bamboo Foundation (SAbF), in collaboration with global partners, successfully celebrated 15th World Bamboo Day Celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from September 18-21, 2024. The event, themed *"Bamboo Value Chain with SDG Goals," * highlighted bamboo's critical role in environmental conservation, sustainable development, and economic empowerment.

Jointly organized by the Faculty of Architecture at Chiang Mai University, along with partners such as TECEB, Chiang Mai Life Constructions, the Thai Bamboo Community, the Malaysia Bamboo Society, Wongpai, Thailand, the European Bamboo Society, and other international bamboo organizations and knowledge partners National Cheng Chung University, Taiwan, National Institute of Design, India, the event attracted 150 participants from 22 countries including 28 Participants from India also attended the event from Assam, Manipur, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Mizoram, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh .

15th World Bamboo Day Celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Technical Sessions

The celebration featured workshops, exhibitions, and technical discussions across four major themes:

1. **Bamboo Plantation & Restoration**
- *Session Chair*: Mr. Marco Piazza (FAO, Bangkok)
- *Co-Chair*: Dr. Shibata Shozo (Japan)
- *Speakers*: Mr. Sapol Boonsermsuk (Thailand), Dr. Shyam Viswanath (India), Mr. Marc Peeters (Indonesia), Mr. Paiang (FAO).

2. **Bamboo Carbon Farming**
- *Session Chair*: Luc Boeraeve (Belgium)
- *Co-Chair*: Mr. Ashish Kaswa (India)
- *Speakers*: Dr. Lokesh Dube (India), Ms. Kasturi Navalkar (India), Dr. Shi-Ming (Jack) Huang (Taiwan), Dr. Uttam Singhal (India).

3. **Bamboo Biochar**
- *Session Chair*: Kamesh Salam (SAbF, India)
- *Co-Chair*: Dr. Shi-Ming (Jack) Huang (Taiwan)
- *Speakers*: Mr. Khomchalat (Wongpai, Thailand), Prof. Dr. Puangart Kajitvichyanukul (Chiang Mai University), Ms. Audrey (Singapore), Nicholas Skibiak (SNV, Laos), Ms. My Hanh DIEP (Vietnam).

4. **Bamboo Construction, Innovations & Livelihoods**
- *Session Chair*: Dr. Markus Roselieb (Thailand)
- *Co-Chair*: Ir. Ahmad Mazlan (Malaysia)
- *Speakers*: Luis Felipe Lopez (Philippines), Ar. Pradip Gogoi (India), Ms. Dulce Blanca Punzalan (Philippines), Asst. Prof. Karn Khamkaew (CMU), Mr. Ravi Deka (India).

15th World Bamboo Day Celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Special Address and Awards

Dr. Markus Roselieb CEO of Chiang Mai Life Constructions delivered the *World Bamboo Day Talk 2024* at Panyaden International School, showcasing the sustainability of bamboo in architecture, notably through his bamboo-based design of the school. The Chief Guest, Dr. Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, India, stressed the importance of integrating bamboo into sustainable development policies.

Dr. Mein also presented the prestigious “Bamboo Guru” Awards, instituted by the SAbF, to 12 individuals for their exceptional contributions to the promotion and sustainable use of bamboo within the framework of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Mr. Sapol Boonsermsuk (Thailand)
2. Dr. Shibata Shozo (Japan)
3. Dr. Markus Roselieb (Thailand)
4. Mr. Luc AC Boeraeve (Belgium)
5. Mr. Ahmad Mazlan Othman (Malaysia)
6. Mr. Marc Peeters (Indonesia)
7. Mr. Marco Piazza (Italy)
8. Mr. Michel Abadie (France)
9. Ms. Dulce Blanca Punzalan (Philippines)
10. Mr. Susanth C.S. (India)
11. Dr. Shi-Ming (Jack) Huang (Taiwan)
12. Dr. My Hanh Diep (Vietnam)

Call for International Bamboo Day

A key highlight of the event was the unanimous call for the United Nations to declare September 18 as **International Bamboo Day**. Proponents of this initiative argue that such recognition would enhance global awareness of bamboo's role in addressing pressing challenges like climate change, poverty, and deforestation.

Kamesh Salam, founder of World Bamboo Day and Executive Director of SAbF, emphasized, *“Bamboo is not just an eco-friendly alternative; it’s a viable solution for sustainable livelihoods. Declaring International Bamboo Day would strengthen global cooperation in bamboo development.” * He also proposed holding the **Global World Bamboo Day Celebration** every two years.

Workshops

Three hands-on workshops were organized as part of the celebration:

- Bamboo Construction and Architecture (by the Faculty of Architecture, CMU)
- Bamboo Furniture Design (by the National Institute of Design, India)
- Bamboo Bike Making (by Ir. Ahamed, Malaysia)

Conclusion

The South Asia Bamboo Foundation (SAbF) is committed to advocating for bamboo's recognition as a key component of sustainable development globally. The celebration concluded with a resolution to push for the UN declaration and to continue promoting bamboo as a critical resource for environmental and economic sustainability.

See a full photo Gallery of this event here

For further information:
Contact: Kamesh SALAM
Founder /CEO
South Asia Bamboo Foundation
[email protected]/[email protected]
www.kameshsalam.guru