SWITCH-Asia

The Challenge

In May 2008, a devastating earthquake hit Sichuan province. Bamboo resources have the potential to play a major role in the development of post-disaster reconstruction, and propoor, environmentally sustainable industries. However, the bamboo supply chain still includes challenges such as poor links between farmers, semi-processors, and end-product SMEs. Prior to the project, most farmers and producers lacked knowledge on cleaner production practices and did not possess sufficient market and management capacity.

The Objectives

The project contributed to eco-friendly pro-poor economic growth in the post-disaster area of Sichuan Province, especially in earthquake-affected areas, and increased livelihood opportunities through the sustainable production of bamboo building materials for reconstruction. The specific objectives included:

• To set up an integrated government monitoring system for bamboo SMEs to enforce environmental standards;

• To build capacities of bamboo SMEs in sustainable bamboo production;

• To improve bamboo supply chain management system and enhance resource efficiency;

• To improve policy and investment environment for the bamboo sector in Sichuan;

• To develop a Provincial Bamboo Building Code (policy recommendation);

• To increase consumers’ awareness and market demand for bamboo building materials.

The Way Forward

• Integrated government monitoring system for SMEs to enforce provincial and national environmental standards set up;

• Sustainable bamboo production ensured through improved resource efficiency and management by target bamboo SMEs;

• Policy and investment frameworks improved for sustainable pro-poor growth of the Sichuan bamboo SME sector;

• Public awareness and demand for bamboo products from industry, retailers, and general public in Sichuan increased.