Bamboo is a solution to all our global problems. Bamboo plants provide countless benefits. When we think about reforestation, bamboo is the first thing that comes to mind. Bamboo is not technically a tree but grass. It is very beneficial for people to plant and cultivate bamboo or lucky bamboo. 

This is the fastest-growing grass on the planet. The woody stem of bamboo makes it tree-like. It has unique properties. Bamboo plants develop much faster than tree forests; they are sustainable and renewable resources. 

Trees are cut down and replanted in commercial forestry but in bamboo plantations, some mature stems are selected for harvesting and the youngest times are left. They develop and mature later.

The underground root system of bamboo holds nutrients for glowing new culms. Selective harvesting keeps the bamboo plant highly productive and healthy. Bamboo plants can be harvested at the age of 2 to 5 years. You could have high-quality harvestable timber in 7 to 10 years after planting bamboo.

Plants are an important element to make a balance between Oxygen and carbon dioxide in the environment. Bamboo produces 35% more oxygen compared to other trees.

Effective carbon sink

Bamboo plants absorb greenhouse gases. It is an effective tool for carbon sequestration due to its rapid growth. Newly planted bamboo can sequester 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide in just 7 years. A normal plant sequesters 1 ton of carbon dioxide in 40 years.

Bamboo produces water

Bamboo regulates the quantity and quality of water and protects rivers and their ecosystem. Bamboo forms a sort of wall that works as sediment and prevents the loss of flow in rivers. Bamboo collects and stores large amounts of water in its rhizome and stems during the rainy season and acts as a reservoir. 

They returned this water to the soil rivers and streams during droughts. The extraordinary ability to hold water makes bamboo a great plant to reduce soil desertification. Overexploitation is the main reason for droughts all over the world and causes erosion. It also affects the lives of animal plants and people. 

Bamboo can be grown in any environment low light to higher altitudes, drought areas, and in the mountains. The extensive root system of bamboo prevents streams from evaporating. That raises the groundwater level.

Prevent soil erosion

The rapid growth of bamboo is a great tool for soil protection. The root system of the bamboo plant reaches up to 100 km per hectare in the surface layer of the soil; the rhizomes of bamboo can survive for more than a century. 

Bamboo can regenerate if the stems would be cut or destroyed. . They disperse large raindrops into smaller particles and play an important role in preventing the effects of rain.

They provide sustainable biomass

1 kWh of electricity can be formed from 122 kg of bamboo. Bamboo can produce an enormous amount of biomass in a short time. It is an important reforestation resource in many countries. They are a good substitute for firewood and produce various energy products eg. pellets, briquettes, and charcoal.

A natural habitat for fauna and flora

Many animals such as the Red panda, mountain Gorilla, and bale monkey depend on bamboo for food and shelter. It is an important part of the biodiverse ecosystem. Some insects, pigeons, bird species, and reptiles are also associated with bamboo. The dark atmosphere and temperature of bamboo are suitable for the establishment of different animal species. 

Versatility

There are a lot of bamboo products that can replace wood in almost any application like paper and pulp products, furniture, musical instruments, flooring, construction materials, and so on. Bamboo fibers are stronger than wood fibers. They are a great alternative to traditional timber and develop very fast.

Provides livelihoods

Bamboo is an important plant and plays an important role in the livelihoods of local communities. A stable bamboo industry is a good way to help to reduce poverty. We can fight global unemployment and increase economic opportunities for everyone.

Valuable non Timber forest product

Bamboo can be transformed into basic products with the help of traditional tools and some techniques. These products can be sold easily in local markets. This is the best source for non-agricultural income in remote areas. Bamboo provides annual income to some of the poorest communities in tropical regions.