Khotang declared Nepal’s Bamboo capital

KHOTANG, MARCH 2: The 1st National Bamboo Conference, held in Khotang, has declared the district as Nepal’s Bamboo Capital and announced plans to establish a bamboo museum.

The three-day event, organized by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, concluded yesterday with a 35-point "Khotang Declaration." The declaration includes plans to establish a Bamboo Research Center in Diktel, observe Falgun 15 as National Bamboo Awareness Day, and hold the National Bamboo Conference every three years.

Held under the theme, "Where there is bamboo, there is life; where there is life, there is bamboo," the conference focused on the economic and environmental benefits of bamboo, its use as livestock feed, income generation, and entrepreneurship in bamboo products. Discussions also covered the role of bamboo in circular economy, environmental sustainability, and policy development for its promotion and use.

A total of 23 working papers were presented during the conference, with 44 experts sharing insights on bamboo plantation, product marketing, and business opportunities.

Mayor Tirtha Raj Bhattarai highlighted the success of the conference in raising awareness among both the public and policymakers. He emphasized the importance of research, knowledge-sharing, and skill transfer to the next generation for sustainable bamboo utilization.

The event was supported by various government agencies and non-governmental organizations, working together to promote bamboo as a key economic and environmental resource for Nepal.