Experts estimate there are between 1,000 and 1,600 species of bamboo throughout the globe. Members of this long species listing can grow in almost every climate, although most bamboo is found in tropical and equatorial regions.
Ghana is home to at least 7 bamboo species. It is estimated there are over 300,000 hectares of wild bamboo through the regions of Ghana. We endeavor, with the active cooperation of both traditional and government leaders, to facilitate the largest reforestation projects in the country’s history. From the moist tropical coastal regions in the south to the drier sahel regions in the north there are bamboo species that will thrive in these diverse regions.
With the help of local communities and leaders, our current mission is to identify 500,000 hectares of deforested land that will satisfy the criteria needed to develop bamboo for carbon credits. Over the next several years we will undertake the development of these projects in a manner that satisfies both local needs and culture, the rigorous criteria of the carbon market registries and the voluntary carbon off-set purchasers.
Bamboo is an excellent choice for carbon sequestration because most of the carbon is pulled into the root system and remains largely within the system even with harvesting. This method also provides significant co-benefits and value-added economic support to the local communities.
Protection against soil erosion, water filtration, improved soil quality and increased biodiversity are a few of the co-benefits of bamboo. Many species are also viable for human and animal consumption.
Bamboo makes excellent charcoal which helps to mitigate deforestation challenges in local communities where they must harvest traditional forests or mangroves for fuel.
The popularity of bamboo is also growing in developed countries where you can find clothing, building materials, flooring, furnishings, home goods and artwork made from bamboo. These manufactured goods will provide value-added income to local communities and the country.
