Abstract

Bamboo resources have quickly become a popular economic engine in many parts of the world – but short-term performance and gains aside, is the long-term view of bamboo resource industries and economies sustainable? The author asserts no unless deliberate actions are taken to address and resolve commonly unsustainable methods and measures of efficacy. Prolific use of petrol-chemical fertilizers in cultivation, similarly energy-intensive production and manufacturing of goods of variable quality performance, long supply chains targeting distant markets requiring increasingly uncertain petroleum-fueled transport and sustainability policy / practice disconnects are common features of current and prospective bamboo industry developments. In short, while this resilient and valuable plant is capable of a sustaining presence, contemporary means and methodologies of its utilization seem otherwise. Nonetheless, opportunities abound for timely and rewarding innovation. Beyond conservation and efficiency measures, bamboo resource industries can and must serve as venues for design strategies for sustainable bamboo resource systems and offer demonstrable vanguard leadership for achieving expectations for social, economic and ecological performance. Accordingly, the author offers first-hand observations and perspectives derived from teaching, research and field work in China during 2006/07 for advancing bamboo resource systems towards sustainability. Recommendations and implications for sustainability beyond bamboo resources are offered.