World Bamboo Day

World Bamboo Day is an annual celebration dedicated to raising awareness about bamboo. This versatile plant grows on almost every continent except Antarctica. The holiday is observed on September 18.

History

World Bamboo Day was first celebrated in 2009. It was established by the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), an organization that promotes the use of bamboo as an eco-friendly resource and monitors sustainable harvesting.

Bamboo is one of the most valuable and in-demand plants in the world. Its flexibility and strength make it an excellent alternative building material.

Bamboo is not just practical—it also benefits the environment. It is often planted on wastelands and in areas with eroded or infertile soil. Thanks to its fibrous root system, bamboo takes root easily and helps prevent soil erosion while improving soil quality.

Interesting Facts

• Bamboo releases 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than most trees.
• One hectare of bamboo can absorb about 12 tons of carbon dioxide each year.
• Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants; it can grow up to 77 centimeters in a single day. Its maximum height can reach around 30 meters.
• Bamboo is a superb building material. In ancient Thailand, nearly everything was made from bamboo.
• Bamboo is the primary food source for giant pandas.

How to Take Part

Visit regions where bamboo grows in the wild to see how large these plants can become. Traveling to Asian countries is a great way to see impressive bamboo structures and architecture.

Learn more about bamboo and its uses. Try making a bamboo craft—many creative ideas and instructions can be found online.

When is World Bamboo Day in 2025?

World Bamboo Day is observed on September 18 each year.

Observations