International Bamboo Day: Bamboo forests under threat amid urbanisation and illegal logging

NT Bengaluru: On World Bamboo Day, as global attention turns to the value of bamboo, it’s important to highlight the growing threats to natural bamboo forests. Critical to biodiversity and environmental health, these forests are shrinking due to pressures from urbanization and illegal logging. Essential for sustaining wildlife and preventing environmental degradation, bamboo forests are often cleared for infrastructure and agriculture. Environmental activist Sridhar Kumar warns, “The encroachment into bamboo habitats is disturbing not just plant life, but also the animals that depend on them.

From insects to mammals, entire ecosystems are being disrupted.” Bamboo forests play a crucial role in stabilizing ecosystems. They offer food and shelter to various species. Beyond biodiversity, bamboo forests contribute to environmental balance. Their roots prevent soil erosion, maintain water levels, and act as natural carbon sinks, helping in the fight against climate change. “Without bamboo forests, we face a cascade of environmental issues, including flooding, loss of biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions,” Kumar stresses. “If we don’t act now, the loss of these forests will be irreversible.” Efforts to protect these natural bamboo reserves are underway in regions like Assam and Manipur, where NGOs and local governments have initiated conservation and sustainable bamboo farming programs.

These initiatives, driven by community participation, focus on reforestation and sustainable harvest practices. However, their success is limited. Kumar points out, “While these programs are making strides, the problem of urban encroachment and illegal logging remains a significant hurdle. Stronger enforcement and stricter policies are needed to ensure the long-term survival of bamboo forests.” A major challenge is balancing the need for development with conservation efforts. Rapid urbanization, particularly in developing nations, has seen bamboo forests cleared for infrastructure projects. Local governments, however, can strike a balance through well-designed policies.

Sustainable development practices, ecotourism opportunities, and incentivizing bamboo cultivation can help reduce the pressure on natural forests while promoting economic growth. “We need to provide alternative livelihoods that protect forests while fostering development,” says Kumar. “Afforestation programs and eco-friendly business models could be key to preserving these ecosystems.” The illegal bamboo trade is another threat that hampers conservation efforts. Illicit logging and trade not only reduce forest cover but also affect farmers who practice sustainable bamboo farming.