Bamboo emerged as a prominent theme at the Indonesia-Pacific Cultural Synergy Exhibition (IPACS 2025), reinforcing its status as a versatile material capable of transcending its traditional applications. Participants from the Pacific and Southeast Asia showcased innovative uses for bamboo, illustrating its potential as a catalyst for creativity, sustainability, and economic advancement.
Elesi Koroi, representing the Fiji Arts Council, shed light on the cultural importance of bamboo crafts, eagerly noting, “Bamboo crafts are a big part of our culture, but here I learned we can even build bicycles, bowls, and other creative items. When I go back, I will teach everyone the different ways bamboo can be used. It’s free, readily available, and can generate income for families.”
The event highlighted how the exchange of ideas can bolster local communities. Najwa, curator at the Bamboo Residence from the Environmental Bamboo Foundation in Denpasar, Bali, emphasized this, stating, “At the Bamboo Residence, we guide participants to explore the many possibilities of bamboo, empowering local communities, especially women and marginalized groups, to use bamboo for both craft and income.”
Daisy Michael from the Solomon Islands shared a similar sentiment, advocating for increased bamboo planting. “We should plant more bamboo because there are so many things we can make from it. Bamboo is unique, readily available, and when I go back home, I will teach others,” she expressed, reinforcing the material’s boundless possibilities.
These efforts at IPACS 2025 resonate with ongoing initiatives in Fiji supporting bamboo as a cornerstone of sustainability, especially seen during celebrations like World Bamboo Day. The growth and applications of bamboo in Fiji have gained momentum, with government initiatives, such as the Fiji Bamboo Project, dedicated to promoting bamboo for housing and economic development. This project aligns with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization’s objectives to address poverty, climate change, and resource efficiency.
Fiji’s rich diversity of bamboo species not only fosters traditional uses but also expands opportunities for modern applications in construction and artistic endeavors. The commitment to cultivating bamboo for sustainable practices signifies a shift towards a greener future, where local resources support both livelihoods and environmental resilience.
By showcasing bamboo at IPACS 2025, stakeholders underline its role as a bridge among communities, nurturing innovation, culture, and economic growth throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia, paving the way for a hopeful and sustainable future.