The Second International Young Scientist Forum: Bamboo Resources in a Changing Climate

The "Second International Young Scientist Forum - Bamboo Resources in a Changing Climate" was held on December 12-13, 2024, in Hangzhou, China. Organized by the University of British Columbia (UBC), Zhejiang A&F University, and the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR), and co-sponsored by the IUFRO Working Party on Bamboo and Rattan, this forum aimed to highlight bamboo's role as a nature-based solution to climate change and foster collaboration among young scientists. 

With participation ranging from graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers, the forum covered a range of topics, including bamboo carbon sequestration, sustainable management, biodiversity conservation, and emerging bamboo-related technologies and businesses. 

The forum underlined that bamboo is a vital nature-based solution for climate change, with high carbon storage potential, diverse economic applications, and strong socio-environmental benefits. Collaborative efforts between scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are essential to scale up bamboo solutions worldwide. 

Discussion topics: 

• Bamboo and Climate Change Mitigation
  • Studies reaffirm bamboo's rapid carbon sequestration capacity, with research on bamboo-based carbon credits and carbon storage strategies.
  • The role of bamboo agroforestry in degraded land restoration was explored.
• Carbon Management and Livelihoods
  • Several presentations highlighted bamboo's socio-economic benefits, particularly for rural livelihoods and carbon finance mechanisms.
  • Case studies demonstrated how bamboo cooperatives and sustainable management practices enhance both economic and ecological resilience.
• Emerging Technologies and Business Opportunities
  • Innovations in bamboo-based materials, biochar, and sustainable construction were presented.
  • Research on bamboo's role as a plastic alternative aligned with global sustainability goals.
• Biodiversity and Sustainable Forest Management
  • The forum discussed how monoculture practices impact biodiversity, calling for improved bamboo genetic diversity and ecosystem management strategies.
  • Studies on bamboo physiology, soil interactions, and climate adaptation mechanisms provided insights into sustainable growth.

The 3^rd International Young Scientist Forum on Climate Change and Bamboo will be held in late 2025.

Report by Changhua Fang, Coordinator of Working Party 5.11.05 Bamboo and rattan

Organizers and supporters: Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Zhejiang A&F University; International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR); International Center for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR); China-Canada Joint Laboratory for Bamboo & Rattan Science and Technology; Asia Pacific Forestry Education Coordination Mechanism (AP-FECM); Sichuan Agricultural University; Jiangxi Academy of Forestry; Southwest Forestry University; Nanjing Forestry University; and IUFRO Working Party 5.11.05 – Bamboo and Rattan; journal Advances in Bamboo Science (supporter).