The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), in collaboration with the Government of Suichang County,?on August 10?officially launched Bamboo Charcoal Week at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo. The initiative will showcase the environmental and economic benefits of bamboo charcoal, through a range of interactive displays and demonstrations.

"Innovative bamboo charcoal products, such as water purifiers, cosmetics and air fresheners, can deliver a range of benefits not only to the modern home or office, but also to the broader community," said Dr Coosje Hoogendoorn, INBAR's Director General. "They provide income for rural communities, especially farmers in poor mountainous areas, and the unique properties of bamboo mean that these products can also help protect the environment by providing a more sustainable and renewable alternative to timber or fossil-fuel based products."

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth, growing up to one meter per day and reaching maturity in as little as four months. Bamboo regenerates itself after harvesting, and the interwoven nature of its roots plays an important role in preventing soil erosion. Bamboo also supports the livelihoods of more than one billion of the world’s poorest people and generates US$5 billion in annual trade.

As well as its environmental and economic benefits, according to Professor Zhou Guomo, President of Zhejiang Forestry University, research has indicated that bamboo charcoal can also absorb harmful chemicals from the atmosphere, control humidity and purify water.

Suichang County, in China's Zhejiang Province, is a global leader in bamboo charcoal production. The local industry comprises more than 50 enterprises, which produce over 300 different products that generate more than 2 billion Yuan in annual revenue.

Zhang Xiaoqiang, Mayor of Suichang County, believes that bamboo charcoal production can provide a unique combination of modern industry and traditional culture: "We began with industrial innovation, then scientific innovation and now we've shifted to creative, cultural innovation," said Mr Zhang. "Bamboo charcoal can support a civilized way of development, combining a low carbon economy, high efficiency of resource use and sound ecology."

China's innovations in bamboo charcoal production are being used to promote sustainable economic development in other parts of the world. For example, INBAR is currently implementing a project in Africa, where firewood consumption is a major driver of deforestation and air pollution, which aims to increase the use of bamboo charcoal as a source of household energy for the poor. The project, funded by the European Union, combines technical training, policy development and awareness raising. It will involve the transfer of technology and bamboo species from China.

Bamboo Charcoal Week will take place from 10-16 August at the INBAR pavilion, located within the World Expo's International Organizations Joint Pavilion, Zone B3. Products on display will include bamboo charcoal pillows, slippers, water filters, air fresheners, lamps, baskets, soaps, cosmetics and tea. Activities will include theatrical performances and product demonstrations.