We at 1MTN are on a mission to restore at least 1 million hectares of degraded land in East Africa by 2030, planting bamboo, removing carbon pollution from the atmosphere and creating thousands of jobs for men and women. We have done the research for years, and finally, in April 2023 first plantations are opened.
We strongly advocate for natural habitat and creating a sustainable future for local communities; this is why we plant only native or naturalized species on idle or degraded land that have not had forest cover for at least the past ten years.
So, why did we start our at least 30 years mission to combat climate change and make the world a better place by planting bamboo?
Bamboo is one of the most amazing plants on earth, leading the position of the fastest growing plants, with some species able to grow 4 cm per hour, about 1 meter a day.
Bamboo is also one of the best carbon sequesters, is environmentally sustainable, restores degraded lands and have numerous other benefits. And one of the unknown facts about bamboo is that bamboo is grass, meaning its mature stems can be harvested annually without clearing the forest. Bamboo is a versatile and sustainable resource that offers a wide range of benefits, both for the environment and for human use. Here are just some benefits and wonders that bamboo offers:
Aids in Restoration
Planting bamboo on degraded or idle land helps restore the land and revive the ecosystem, providing a natural habitat for wildlife and improving the quality of life in the area.
Biodiversity
Bamboo is a highly diverse plant, with over 1,500 species in different world region. It provides a habitat for various wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals.
Carbon Sequestration
Bamboo is an incredibly efficient carbon sequester: with 35% more oxygen production and absorbs 40% more carbon dioxide than an average tree, capturing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it an effective tool in the fight against climate change.
Environmentally Sustainable
Planting bamboo on degraded or idle land helps restore the ecological balance and conserves biodiversity. It's also an effective way to combat deforestation and desertification.
Fast-Growing
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, with some species growing up to 1 meter per day, which is about 4 cm per hour.
Health benefits
Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making it a popular material for products such as cutting boards and utensils. It is also hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin, making it a popular choice for textiles.
Improved Livelihoods
Developing a nature-based carbon credit project from bamboo can benefit local communities significantly economically, which includes employment opportunities, increased income, and an improved standard of living.
Large market
As the demand for sustainable products continues to increase, planting bamboo can provide meaningful economic benefits due to its significant market value, which currently stands at 61 billion USD with a CAGR% of 4.5.
Renewable Resource
Unlike traditional tree-based timber, bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that can be harvested within 3-5 years, making it a more sustainable option.
Resilient and Strong
Bamboo is resilient and strong; some species are even stronger than steel, making these quite difficult targets for pests.
Soil Conservation
Bamboo helps in soil conservation by reducing soil erosion, retaining moisture and providing shade, which benefits other crops grown in the same area and is particularly beneficial in areas prone to landslides and soil degradation.
Strong Fibres
Bamboo fibres are three times stronger than steel, making them ideal for a wide range of products, including construction materials, textiles, and furniture. Bamboo is a strong and durable material that is resistant to moisture, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Sustainable
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can be harvested in 3-5 years, compared to traditional trees that can take up to 20 years. This makes it a highly sustainable and renewable resource.
Sustainable production
Bamboo is a versatile material that can be used for a wide variety of products - up to 1000 use cases - from building materials to textiles. Bamboo can provide local communities income and livelihood while reducing pressure on other natural resources when produced sustainably.
Yields More Timber
Bamboo can yield three times more timber than trees in the same area, making it an efficient and sustainable option for large-scale commercial projects.
Versatile Applications
With over 10,000 green applications, bamboo is one of the most versatile and environmentally friendly resources. Bamboo can be used in a wide range of applications, from construction to textiles to furniture. It is also a popular material for sustainable products such as bamboo toothbrushes and reusable straws.
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