DENR Plans to Cover 15,000 Hectares of Land with Bamboo

Filipinos are no stranger when it comes to the different uses of bamboo. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), however, will be planting this fast-growing grass on more than 15,000 hectares of land this year for environmental reasons.

Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau director Henry Adornado said that bamboo can provide a natural control barrier because it has a widespread root system, which is also effective in controlling erosion.

“It reduces runoff, prevents massive soil erosion and minimizes CO2 gases,” he added.

But aside from helping address climate change, Adornado said that bamboo can help create livelihood as it can be used in developing several products. That’s the reason why he’s urging investors to plant bamboo and use quality seeds and planting materials.

The ERDB director also mentioned that they would propose that 20% of the National Greening Program budget be used in planting bamboo.

When compared with other trees, bamboo minimizes carbon emissions by 400% more according to studies.

The DENR plans to invest in the development of bamboo to support climate change mitigation and at the same time, provide assistance in local resource-based economies.

via The Philippine Star / Rhodina Villanueva