See here: http://worldbamboo.net/world-bamboo-congress-proceedings/wbcix-proceedings/

Greetings from the WBO, 

It is with great pleasure that the WBO opens the process for determining the host and location of the 10th World Bamboo Congress.

Please read here for the Invitation of Expression of Interest, including the requirements for hosting.  If your group is interested, please complete Forms I, II, and III below and send to WBO Executive Director Susanne Lucas @ info@worldbamboo.net  

Deadline is 1 July 2012. 

 Introduction
 

The World Bamboo Organization is a diverse group consisting of individual people, commercial businesses, non-profit associations, institutions, and allied trade corporations that all share a common interest “BAMBOO”. The purpose of the WBO is to improve and promote this common interest, as well as the conditions affecting, and the industry surrounding, this common interest. We are dedicated to promoting the use of bamboo and bamboo products for the sake of the environment and economy.

We are a United States tax-exempt trade association (U.S.501-c6, est. 2005) formed to facilitate the exchange of information from around the world on the environmental, socioeconomic, biological, and cultural aspects of bamboo. By bringing together local and regional bamboo people and creating mechanisms for global communications, the WBO’s goal is to facilitate the development of new partnerships and alliances to advance the causes of bamboo and furthering the efforts of bamboo practitioners worldwide. We play a crucial networking role by connecting people for useful collaborations on all things related to bamboo.

Originally founded as the International Bamboo Association (IBA), the idea for an international coordinating body for bamboo practitioners was born out of discussions at the 1991 International Bamboo Workshop in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The IBA was consequently established at the 1992 3^rd International Bamboo Congress in Japan. Through 1998, the IBA had been the coordinating platform for bamboo people around the world, with its primary responsibility being the International Bamboo Congress & International Bamboo Workshop. A union of these two distinct gatherings is today called the World Bamboo Congress, and lead to the re-birth of the IBA into the World Bamboo Organization.

The founding members of the WBO include Susanne Lucas (USA), I.V. Ramanuja Rao (India), Karina Quintans (USA), David Flanagan (USA), Carmelita Bersalona (Philippines), Amin Samuel Zacca (Ghana), Jorge Campos (Chile), Victor Brias (Belgium).

Dedicated volunteers administer our organization. An Honorary Council was established in 2005 to support WBO with professional consultation and expertise, in the field as well as in the conference room.

Michel Abadie (Paris,France) President 2011-

Kamesh Salam (Assam,India) Past-President 2007-2010

David Sands (Hawaii,USA) Special Projects Director 2012-

Lisa Santos (Massachusetts, USA) Treasurer and Secretary 2005 - 

Susanne Lucas is the Chief Executive Officer.

The World Bamboo Congress

Apart from our day-to-day networking activities, every 3 to 4 years WBO organizes a World Bamboo Congress (WBC), which is the culmination of our efforts to physically unite bamboo enthusiasts and professionals. In the name of bamboo, we bring people from around the world together to meet, discuss, network, collaborate, and exchange with the intention of improving understanding and stimulating potential. Ever since its inception inPuerto Rico in 1984, each World Bamboo Congress has convened a vast array of individuals, institutions, businesses, and decision makers, and has created new partnerships that have made a real difference for the environment, people and communities around the world. These events have been uniquely informative, educational, culturally and intellectually challenging. The events highlight the state-of-the-art in bamboo science, technology and industry.

2.     The World Bamboo Congress

2.1.  General Requirements

2.1.1.       Congress Schedule:

The World Bamboo Congress is expected to be held over 4-5 days sometime during the year 2013, 2014 or 2015. Apart from a series of meetings and conferences, the schedule is expected to include field visits to places of interest to the delegates.

The final Congress schedule will be worked out by the Host in active consultation with the International Organizing Committee and WBO.

2.1.2.       Meeting Venue

The WBC is traditionally held in a hotel or in large conference facilities close to hotels, or ideally, at a sponsoring University or Institution.  By having the meeting in the hotel, local transportation costs for the attendees can be eliminated, also having the participants close to the meeting venue promotes attendance, punctuality, and gives people the opportunity to casually meet in the hotel lobby, etc. without having to make formal appointments.  The meeting Hotel/Venue should be conveniently located in a metropolitan area close to other hotels, restaurants, banks, public transit, and shopping areas.

The venue must permit the installation of cables and wireless access points in hallways, meeting rooms, and open areas.  The WBO staff and Board workrooms must be available on a 24 / 7 basis.  The rooms being used for the congress must not be used for evening events during the congress, as this will incur additional costs for the local hosts as the equipment being used for the meetings in these rooms will need to be dismantled, stored, and reassembled.

The venue should have at least one restaurant open from7:00 to midnight, which is able to serve rapid meals and refreshments.  It is also important that facilities for providing lunch to the delegates be available in the venue.

2.1.3.       Congress announcement: Congress announcements will be required to be made in local and international media (internet, electronic and print media), in consultation with the WBO.

2.1.4.       Travel Requirements

Accessibility to international airports and convenience of travel to and from the meeting venue will be considered by WBO when selecting a location for the meeting.  Information regarding number and frequency of international flights to the meeting location must be provided, along with specific schedules when available.

Restrictions to travel on any individuals travelling from specific countries must be clearly indicated in the proposal. It is important that any participant who is financially able to attend the congress be able to obtain the required documentation from the host country.  Where problems exist, the local Host must indicate how these difficulties will be addressed to ensure the widest participation possible.  Local Hosts must indicate the assistance that will be provided to those who do not have access to the host country’s consulates.  It is recommended that consulates worldwide be informed of the meeting to expedite the processing of any necessary documentation.  A list of the countries requiring visas for entry into the host country, as well as locations offering visa services on behalf of the host country, should be provided.

Local Hosts must be prepared to assist meeting participants with local customs issues. Assistance must be provided to participants to minimize costs and delays with customs.

When feasible, local transportation from the airport to the meeting should be arranged.

Travel costs for WBO designated VIPs (maximum 5) from their home locations will have to be met by the local Host.

2.1.5.       Support Services

Representatives from the local Host and its contractors must be able to be reached on a 24-hour basis. A dedicated representative from each department (Host, hotel, IT, AV, administration, etc.) must be able to respond immediately to help resolve issues that may arise. It is essential to the success of the congress that all systems are functional, reliable, and have backup equipment and service.

2.1.6.       Accommodations

Accommodations should be available to a majority of participants (200+). Hotels should be available in a variety of price ranges to accommodate those travelling on a limited budget. These hotels should be located close to the meeting venue. The attendees must be able to make their reservations directly with the hotels. However wherever required the local Host should be in a position to assist the delegates in making hotel reservations. The local Host will need to negotiate special non-commissionable rates for all attendees and have the hotel guarantee the lowest possible price.

2.1.7.       Emergency Contact

The local Host will need to arrange for an onsite staff person to be available 24/7 to assist in the event of an emergency. The Host must also provide the delegates with local emergency information; telephone numbers for police, ambulance and fire; and full contact details for the nearest hospital to the meeting venue. This information may be included on the back of the badges provided to all registrants.

2.1.8.       Badges

Local Hosts will provide badges for all attendees. Color-coding will be used to distinguish between the regular meeting delegates and “all-access” attendees such as WBO, executive members, Host staff, and support staff.

2.1.9.       Registration

The local Host will engage staff to handle registration duties and guide participants at the venue. The registration desk at the meeting venue will be staffed by a minimum of 5 people to prepare badges and distribute registration packets and meeting information to the participants. The registration desk will be staffed from 07:00-18:00 from Day 1 of the meeting. Local Host is responsible for designing, production and other costs associated with the Registration Package for each delegate.

WBO Board Meetings

The local Host shall provide meeting space at the Congress venue for a minimum of two meetings for WBO Board of Directors. Any food service or catering for these meetings shall be billed to and paid for by the WBO.

2.1.10.    Congress proceedings:

The assemblage and production of electronic Proceedings of the WBC will be a joint-collaboration of the Host, the IOC and WBO.  The Host will designate a Co-Editor to work on behalf of the WBC and coordinate with the WBC Editor, designated by the WBO.

2.1.11.    Congress participant certificates

The congress participants will be provided with participation certificates signed by the president of the WBO. The host will be required to print the certificates and arrange for the certificates to be issued during the WBC.

2.1.12.    Website management in native language

If deemed necessary by the WBO, the Host will be required to make arrangements for developing, hosting and managing a congress website in the native language of the host country.

2.1.13.    Translation services

If deemed necessary, the Host may be required to provide translation services from English to the native language of the host country and vice versa.

2.1.14.    Congress field trips and optional tours

The Host will be required to make arrangements for local field trips for the international delegates and also provide facilities for optional tours. Expenses for the field trips will have to be covered within the registration fees while delegates will be required to pay for optional tours.  This aspect of the WBC is one of the most vital to the success of the event as a whole.  International travelers need a great reason to travel such a distance to take part in the WBC.

2.1.15.    Trade fair

A Trade Fair for bamboo products and allied wares (machinery, tools, etc) produced in the host country as well as other countries can be organized.  The Host will designate the Trade Fair Coordinator to be a part of the International Organizing Committee.

Complimentary Exhibit Booths

The Host will provide complimentary exhibit booths to the WBO and any other “not-for-profit, non-profit, or non-government” organization that the International Organizing Committee deems to be qualified, as well as to any organizations specified by the WBO (i.e. UNIDO, national bamboo societies, etc)

2.1.16.    Entertainment

For evening and/or daily entertainment, the Host will coordinate an entertainment schedule, featuring local culture, food and/or music.

2.1.17.    Local public relations

The Host will be responsible for local public relations, liaison with local government and press as well as local businesses and other interest groups.

2.1.18.    Insurance

WBO will require the local Host to obtain insurance for the items in which they are responsible. Specific requirements can be discussed with WBO staff as these vary from location to location.

2.1.19.    Invitation of delegates

WBO shall provide to the International Organizing Committee a comprehensive mailing list, in acceptable electronic form, consisting of email addresses, other address information, and any other pertinent information, for all potential and final authors, reviewers, and attendees obtained in the normal course of WBC activities. The Host will arrange to send invitations to this mailing list and any other list that the attendee may have.

2.1.20.    Attendee Security

A reasonable amount of security MUST be provided during the meeting hours (08:00 – 18:00 daily). This security should be a non-intrusive measure to ensure the safety of the participants. Any security information about the local area in relation to attendee safety MUST be provided with the proposal. This should cover a general overview of the area surrounding the venue, taxi safety, city safety, etc.

2.2.  National Organizing Committee (NOC)

The local Host will assign three persons to form the National Organizing Committee (NOC) to coordinate and be in active communication with WBO in the planning of the event.  The NOC Chair will be the conduit as part of the International Organizing Committee (IOC), set up by WBO.

2.2.1.       Purpose and responsibilities of the NOC

It will be the NOC’s responsibility to carry out the whole execution of the WBC project, and to be in charge of all documentation, planning and logistics related to it. The NOC shall submit all documentation, planning and logistic documents to the IOC, along with monthly financial statements to the WBC Treasurer, and all planning shall be done in compliance with the terms set out in the Operating Agreement. The NOC Chairperson will participate in all strategic planning of the WBC. Specifically, the NOC Chairperson will responsible for :

• Managing communications between NOC and IOC
• Lead the local planning and implementation of the WBC and oversee the work of the members of the NOC and Secretariat.
• The NOC Chairperson must be from the host country of the WBC and must speak and write English
• The NOC Secretariat will be responsible for delegating and recording all administrative activities of the WBC.

2.3.  International Organizing Committee (IOC)

The International Organizing Committee (IOC) of the World Bamboo Congress will be comprised of the Chair, Co-chair, Secretary, and Treasurer of WBO, and the Chair of the National Organizing Committee. The IOC can be expanded to include three other international members, to be mutually agreed upon by its members.

2.3.1.       General Responsibilities of the IOC

• Direct communication and interaction with NOC of WBC
• Promotion of the WBC to the international community (WBC website, etc)

2.3.2.       Responsibilities of IOC in collaboration with NOC/ Host Secretariat

• Congress program format and scheduling
• Assist in the procurement of funding for the WBC from international and governmental funding agencies in conjunction with NOC
• Coordination with NOC and WBO Board of Directors on all matters related to the development and planning of the WBC
• Appointment of the Master of Ceremonies

2.3.3.       IOC Chairman’s Responsibilities

The Chairman will be responsible for leading the planning and organization of the World Bamboo Congress. Specifically, the Chairman will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the coordinated efforts of the WBO, NOC and Secretariat
•  If necessary, available for advising or consulting on any unresolved matters in which the NOC or Secretariat seek help with.
• If necessary, communicates with all donor, funding, and governmental agencies.
• Seek funding for the WBC as necessary.

A Co-Chair will be appointed to support the WBC Chairman in the strategic planning of the WBC, especially in coordination of efforts throughout the Host-country region.

2.4.  International Advisory Committee

The IOC andNOCChairs will appoint the WBC International Advisory Committee. This IAC will make recommendations as to program content and topics, primarily interested in the scientific and technical aspects of the WBC.

2.5.  Budget and finance

The Hosts will draw up a budget for the congress and raise the necessary funds to meet their responsibilities as indicated in 2.1 above and any other local expenses that may be required for the event.

2.5.1.       Sources of funds

Participant fees:  The WBO guarantees 100 international delegates from whom a delegate fee of $….. will be collected on behalf of WBO. In addition to this, the Host may collect a suitable delegate fee from the national participants as revenue to the Host. The delegate fee will include on-site meals, coffee breaks, registration package, field trip costs, copy of congress proceedings.

Sponsorship: The Hosts will solicit local and international sponsors to meet their financial responsibilities. They must, however, submit the names of their sponsors to WBO to ensure that the mission and activities of sponsors does not conflict with WBO policies. Sponsorship opportunities and benefits will be posted on the WBC website. Benefits will be provided to all sponsors according to level of sponsorship as defined on the WBC website. Since this meeting is not a trade show, an organization that is not a sponsor will not be permitted to distribute commercial materials in the meeting area.

WBO will assist the Host in soliciting sponsorships if required by the Host however there will be no commitment from WBO in this regard.

2.6.  WBC Treasurer

The selected Host, who will be responsible for all the necessary expenses for the execution of the WBC, will appoint a Treasurer who will be in charge of the performance of the budget, of the periodical balance surveys, and lastly, of all activities relevant to the financial administration of WBC. The Treasurer will also be responsible for the opening of a bank account on behalf of the WBC, and for being in charge of necessary value transactions, upon written notice to the NOC and IOC Chairs.

2.7.  Cancellation

The WBC will not be cancelled unless under extreme conditions. In case the congress is cancelled due to reasons of shortcomings on the part of the Host, the Host will be required to pay a penalty as indicated in the operating agreement.  Should the circumstances arise where the WBO Board cancels the WBC, WBO will be responsible only for cancellation costs that are detailed in the proposal submitted by the Host.

1. 3.     INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

The World Bamboo Organization invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) for hosting the 10^th World Bamboo Congress from institutions, bamboo societies, NGOs and universities based in any of the following locations:

1. Europe and theUK
2. North America
3. Central America
4. South America
5. Africa
6. Australia
7. Asia

The 8^th WBC took place in Bangkok in 2009. The 9^th WBC took place in Belgium 2012.

The 10^th WBC should take place outside ofEurope, preferably Central orSouth America, Asia, Africa, or Australia.

3.1.  Minimum Eligibility Criteria

3.1.1.       The Host-bidder should be an organization of repute involved in the field of Bamboo/ Forestry /Science/ Environment / Livelihood Improvement or any other relevant fields involving Bamboo.

3.1.2.       The Host-bidder should have experience in organizing and hosting events of similar scale, or feel competent in the abilities and commitment of its NOC.

3.1.3.       The bidder should have a physical presence in the proposed location of the event. 

3.2. Bid Format

3.2.1.       The bids should be submitted in electronically.

3.2.2.       Bid Language: Bidders are requested to submit the bids written in English. In case any of the documents attached with the bid are in languages other then English, a translation of the same should be provided in English. 

3.2.3.       The bids should be submitted in the formats attached within this document. All relevant documents concerning proof of experience etc as indicated in the bidding formats should be attached with the document.

3.2.4.       All pages of the bid documents should be signed by the authorized representative of the bidder.

3.2.5.       The Bid should be addressed to the World Bamboo Organization and sent electronically.

3.3.  Submission Receipt and Opening of Bids

3.3.1.       Address for Submission of Bids:

Ms. Susanne Lucas

Executive Director, World Bamboo Organisation,

9 Bloody Pond Road, Plymouth, Massachusetts

02360 USA

info@worldbamboo.net

3.4.  The Selection Process

3.4.1.       Evaluation of the bids will be done by a committee to be constituted for the purpose by the President, World Bamboo Organization.

3.4.2.       The evaluation of bids will be a two stage process.

3.4.3.       In the first stage, the bids will be evaluated against the minimum eligibility criteria set out above and a shortlist will be drawn up.

3.4.4.       In the second stage the bids / proposals will be evaluated competitively on the following criteria and a host organization will be selected.

• Proposers’ experience with organizing international conferences.
• Prior involvement of bidder in WBO activities and attendance at WBO conferences.
• Ability of the bidder to raise funds for the World Bamboo Congress.
• Support expected from the government of the host country.
• Ease of access to conference location for an international audience.
• Quality of proposed venue and facilities.
• Safety and Security situation in the proposed location

3.4.5.       During the second stage of the bid evaluation, the committee may at its sole discretion require the shortlisted bidders to make a detailed presentation on the proposal and ability of the bidder to successfully organize the world bamboo congress.

3.4.6.       Decision of the bid evaluation committee with regard to selection of a host organization will be sent to the office of WBO CEO Susanne Lucas for final determination.

3.4.7.       After the completion of the evaluation process, a letter of intent (LOI) will be issued to the selected bidder.

3.4.8.       The selected bidder will be required to submit a letter of acceptance within 7 days of the issue of the LOI and enter into an “Operating Agreement” in the format provided with this invitation for EOI.

3.4.9.       Only after the signing of the Operating Agreement will the selected bidder be designated as the Host organization.

3.5.  General Conditions

3.5.1.       Intellectual Property:

3.5.1.1.           Ownership of the name “World Bamboo Congress” will vest solely with the World Bamboo Organization. However during the duration of the event and time preceding the event as set out in the Operating Agreement, the Host will have a license to use the names “World Bamboo Congress and WBC”.

3.5.1.2.           The official World Bamboo Congress LOGO, provided by the WBO, must be used in all distributed materials.  A local logo approved by WBO can be used in conjunction.

3.5.1.3.           The WBC Proceedings shall be copyrighted and become the property of WBO in accordance with WBO Policies.

Form 1

Host World Bamboo Congress

Expression of Interest (EOI)

We ………………………………………….(Name of Organization) hereby express interest in hosting the World Bamboo Congress. Details of our proposal are attached herewith.

We accept that the acceptance of our bid is not binding on us.  Final acceptance comes only after signing of the Operating Agreement.

Name of the contact person………………………………………………………………………………

Organization Website …………………………………………………………………………………………

Physical Address: ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Email:……………………………………………………………..Phone:………………………………………

Fax:………………………………………….

Authorized Signatory ……………………………………. Date ……………………….

Form II

Details of the Proposed Venue

1.                Venue ………………………………………………………………………….

2.                Address…………………………………………………………………………

3.                Number of Meeting Halls available at the venue……………………………

4.                Specifications of the Facility

1. Capacity (Theatre Style Seating / Banquet Sitting)
2. Facilities Available

5.                Whether accommodation is available at the Venue (yes/ no)

6.                If yes, details of accommodations available

7.                If no, proposals for accommodation

8.                Bidder’s experience with organizing similar activities

(Please provide a detailed write up within 1000 words)

9.                Distance of the venue from nearest international airport

10.             Prior involvement of bidder in WBO activities

11.             Proposal for raising funds

(Please provide a detailed write up within 1000 words)

Form III

Detailed Proposal

(Please provide a detailed write up on how you propose to organize the World Bamboo Congress)

The World Bamboo Organization is a group of dedicated bamboo people.  We have no major fund sources, we are volunteers, we make things happen from sheer will.  

I hope you will join us in keeping this momentum going……….

We greatly appreciate the sponsorship coming from some commercial sources:  EcoPlanet Bamboo, BambooLiving, CONBAM, Oprins, Teragren.  If your company is interested in becoming a sponsor, we welcome you!  Our mailing list goes to over 1,900 bamboo-interested people throughout the world.  Our website statistics are available, just ask.  For sponsorship options, please see here: http://worldbamboo.net/donate/

How else can you participate in  WBO?

First, what you can do is promote your projects and your interests with everyone you can, and encourage them to join us.  How to join?  Simply add your email address on the WBO website.

Send us your news and we will post it on the website to expand your exposure.

If you like to talk <bamboo> and share, also become a friend on Facebook.  We have two group pages :  World Bamboo and World Bamboo Congress.   Now that the Congress has ended, most of the <talk> will be on the World Bamboo page, so please join us there.    If you prefer a more professional approach, join us on Linked In, where we participate within our World Bamboo group.

Stay tuned to the WBO website for downloading papers and powerpoint presentations, and we will add pages soon for sharing photographs.

We also have the WORLD BAMBOO DAY website, celebrating on the 18th September all over the world.  We need to get to that site and make some updates, as we have been focused on the WBC, but for sure, things will be happening to share with the world all that is good about BAMBOO.  Stay tuned for opportunities to join in the fun and / or organize your own event.  Just let us know how we can help!

Ran Lichtner has launched an important endeavor called the World Bamboo Exhibition.  It aims to be <Marketplace Central> for all things bamboo.  It will be the on-line bamboo shopping center for all businesses related to the bamboo sector. Not just for shopping products, but shopping PROJECTS, finding collaborators, sourcing MATERIALS, seeking investors.  The World Bamboo Organization endorses the WBE and encourages you to participate.

For more information, contact Ran:  bambu3d@gmail.com

 Wow, what a week! I’m not the only one to express those words….many of the participants said the same!

The 9th World Bamboo Congress kicked off unofficially in the lobby of the Lindner Hotel on Monday, 9 April, as participants came from their homes in Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, Switzerland, Argentina, USA, South Africa, and beyond to meet other “bamboo people” and share their experiences. The next day, officially, at the University of Antwerp, the 9th WBC opened with fantastic keynote presentations by Johan Gielis, Marc van Montagu, Lynn Clark, Walter Liese and Masatoshi Watanabe. Over 250 people were in attendance.

The program list is still up on the WBC website for those who want to see it, and the live-streaming is still available on http://mediasite.ua.ac.be/mediasite/Catalog/pages/catalog.aspx?catalogId=a354e151-942d-46af-8b2c-9a66f8f05f8f

Also, great news is that we will also have the official proceedings, all the papers submitted for publishing, available for download on the WBO website, as well as the powerpoint presentations as shown at the WBC. We need some days to acclimate post-WBC, so look for this update in early May. We’ll let you know! 

After an amazing Opening Reception at the City Hall with the music of Take Dake, and three days at the University and 50 presentations later, we moved to a rural setting called DeKolonie. As guests of the Oprins family, our group arrived to this magnificient old brick barn, enhanced with a fantastic bamboo welcome gate created by Georges Cuvillier. Bamboo geodesic domes (created by BeBamboo) scattered around the building offering warm refuge and ambiance, and other works of bamboo art beckoned beyond. Inside the barn, bamboo products and projects were on display, and in the main hall, <trumpets sounding>, ambassador FLYBOO was soaring overhead! The creation of Michel Abadie (WBO President), this airplane made of bamboo has become a symbol for all that bamboo can do, and as messenger, it carried us all under its wings as we entertained two and half more days of 40 fascinating presentations, and great camaraderie. Saturday night brought a great concert by Take Dake, music from Indonesia by a contemporary anklung group, fireworks, lots of food and drink, open fires to keep us warm, dancing and hours to share together. 

Sunday was simply an amazing finale. Following a progression of subjects all leading to the purpose of what bamboo can do, Gunther Pauli, founder of ZERI and the Blue Economy, gave a powerful and motivational presentation entitled, Bamboo: a symbol of the new economy. 

Wow. 

This WBC was a tremendous collaboration of an amazing team of people in Belgium : IKEBANA: Johan Gielis, Geert Potters, Frances Schutte, Davina Van Goethem, Litsa Bogaerts, Luc Boeraeve and a gang of volunteers, Jan Oprins and his family, a scientific committee to review all of the papers, the facilities at UA, the artists and builders at DeKolonie, the musicians, etc. 

But really what made the success was the fabulous attendance from over 30 countries, with prominent VIPs like the Bamboo Pioneers Walter Liese, Masatoshi Watanabe, Shuen Chao Wu, INBAR staff of Coosje Hoogendoorn and Jinhe Fu, as well as dedicated researchers from India like Nirmala Chongtham, phD students like Tara Afrin and Andrea Melnychenko, designers like Pablo van der Lugt , Rebecca Reubens, Kankana Dev, and all the <bamboo people> who have come together as a family to share and exchange and initiate the bamboo revolution. Thanks to all of those who came to Belgium. 

My deepest respect and gratitude to you all. 

Susanne Lucas, Executive Director, WBO

To those of you who cannot be here, but want to be, we invite you to find the LIVE STREAM on the web and watch along as we deliver an outstanding program in the best of bamboo science, innovation, culture and community!

If you want to be here………….. you can be <virtually>!

First, you need the Silverlight plug-in for your browser, which can be found at  http://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx 
This is SAFE and FREE…….. just click on the link and follow the instructions.

Then, on Tuesday April 10, and the following days, you can open this link:
http://mediasite.ua.ac.be/mediasite/Catalog/pages/catalog.aspx?catalogId=a354e151-942d-46af-8b2c-9a66f8f05f8f

Go here for the complete PROGRAM, both  Part One (10-12 April) and Part Two (13-15 April) :

http://www.worldbamboocongress.org/programs

We welcome all of you as this is a 5-day event, filled with science and technology, art and culture, design and architecture… something for everyone, but especially for those in need of networking with experienced bamboo professionals from all over the globe. Johan Gielis and his IKEBANA team have organized a very full program of over 50 oral presentations and posters, covering a diversity of subjects, and ending on a rural farmland to set the stage for exhibits and constructions.

Special highlights include:
>The Bamboo Pioneers Award ceremony going to renowned experts who have dedicated their life work to bamboo: Jules Janssen (the Netherlands), Oscar Hidalgo-Lopez (Colombia), Masatoshi Watanabe (Japan), Hsiung Wenyu (China), and Shuen Chao Wu (Taiwan), and a special session entitled “Bamboo, A 50-year Perspective” by Professor Walter Liese.

>Keynote Speakers include Dr. Lynn G. Clark, Gunther Pauli, David Sands, Pablo Van der Lugt, Evelin Rottke, Carolina Salazar Campo, and more.

>Bamboo constructions and art installations by BeBamboo (Nic Geereart and team), Cru!, Bamboost, Georges Cuvillier, Luk Vermeerbergen, Frans Demedts and Carla Feijen, as well as the display of Michel Abadie’s bamboo airplane, FLYBOO.

>Ornamental Bamboo Session featuring Jos Van der Palen of Kimmei Nursery (Holland), Ned Jaquith of Bamboo Garden (USA), Dr. Hong Tan (Yunnan), Helder Carvalho (Portugal), and more.

>Saturday and Sunday only venue tickets are possible, with registration on-site at the entrance, for a day of exhibits and vendors, book sales, plant sales, as well as presentations and demonstrations.

Special guest musicians include John Kaizan Neptune and his band, TAKE DAKE, from Japan!

To register, go here : http://guestlistapp.com/events/45327

The official 9th WBC Proceedings will be available for download via our website (www.worldbamboo.net) as of 1 May.

See you soon : )

Susanne Lucas
Executive Director, WBO

There’s nothing better than design with a cause, and that’s exactly what the Soe Ker Tie Houses on the Thai Burmese border are. The project was developed with sustainability mind, and was created to house Karen refugee orphans.

The purpose of the project was to allow 24 orphans within the village of Noh Bo  a more normal life, with a home to call their own. These modest homes were constructed utilizing locally sourced bamboo, the roof was built with a design that promotes natural ventilation, and also allows surplus water to be collected when it rains. This project is sustainable right down to the tire constructed foundations, and to ensure there would be no problems with moisture or decay, all of the huts are elevated above ground level.

    Meet WBO Friend, Shanti Pierce.  

         She is founder and owner of the

                    Bamboo  Leaf   Tea  company.

Shanti doesn’t import tea leaves from far-away countries; Shanti grows her   own tea on her own property in Florida. She knows it inside and out and is one of those passionate, centered people you meet and want to be friends with. Her favorite time is with her children and her bamboo.  Her website is beautifully designed.   A sample of what you will read,

<Bamboo Leaf Tea is made from 100% bamboo leaves grown and processed  by hand in sunny Florida without the use of any chemicals. Bamboo Leaf Tea  has a wonderful sweet, green flavor that aids and balances both mind and  body. Bamboo Leaf Tea has 350mg per of silica in every cup which has many  benefits including hair growth, nail strength, and joint flexibility. We have  been told of many other wonderful healing benefits from the tea and we  invite you to try the tea and then let us know your story. Thank you for  supporting us we give 1% of all sales to environmental projects.>

The company makes and sells a variety of organic teas, but of course Shanti’s best selling tea is Bamboo Leaf Tea.  The website describes it : “It’s sweet, green flavor rejuvenates the body and relaxes the mind and can be enjoyed hot or cold.  Bamboo is an amazing plant that has so much to offer and the discovery of this wonderful tea is just one more gift that bamboo gives.  As well as tasting great the tea has many benefits.  Bamboo has the highest vegetative concentration of silica of any plant.  Silica is what allows bamboo to grow so fast and strong and yet maintain that beautiful flexability.  It does that to all parts of the body.  Bamboo is also high in fiber and the tea contains 4% soluble fiber.  This is a must for anyone who suffers from stomach tension or other digestive issues.  Soluble fiber actually coats the lining of the digestive system allowing it to relax.  So try this tropical wonder and bring the essence of bamboo into your day. ”

Bamboo Leaf Tea

    Is your toilet paper wiping out forests used by tigers, elephants,    orangutans and other wildlife? In a report Wednesday, the World Wildlife Fund alleged that a major paper supplier from Indonesia is clearcutting habitat there and targeted a major U.S. distributor to stop buying from that source.

“We found that two brands sold in the United States ― Paseo and Livi ― are made with paper from Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), which is responsible for more forest destruction in Sumatra than any other single company,” the World Wildlife Fund report stated. “Paseo is a retail brand of toilet paper, paper towels, napkins and facial tissue, and it is now the fastest growing brand of toilet paper in the United States, according to its marketer.”

“Everyone wants the reassurance that the products they buy from Indonesia meet internationally recognized certification standards and are not damaging the precious natural resources of that country,” Oasis Brands CEO Philip Rundle said in a letter to the industry.

“Continuous, rigorous auditing has proven APP products are made from sustainable sources and meet well-established sustainability standards,” he added. “Now we would like the US grocery industry to see the results of such an audit for themselves. We are confident that APP will meet the expectations of US grocers.”

WWF questioned Oasis’ defense of the pulp and paper producer. ”APP’s forest management operations in Indonesia are not certified as sustainable by any credible third party, “WWF forest expert Linda Kramme told msnbc.com. “There are responsible pulp and paper companies in the US, in Indonesia, and the world over, which employ people and make a profit – all without destroying rain forests.”

The group also noted that in recent months eight large retailers – identified as BI-LO, Brookshire Grocery Company, Delhaize Group, Harris Teeter, Kmart, Kroger, SUPERVALU and Weis Markets – had decided to stop carrying APP tissue products.

Eyes on the Forest

WWF said an APP supplier was draining this peat forest inside a tiger sanctuary in Riau, Indonesia.

“We applaud each of these companies’ decision to remove these products from their stores,” Jan Vertefeuille, head of WWF’s tiger campaign, said in a statement.

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/08/10352212-toilet-paper-taking-out-tiger-elephant-habitat-wwf-says

SATURDAY, 14 APRIL 2012   

 2pm. – through dinner and music event

DE KOLONIE,  MERKSPLAS,  BELGIUM

       To all bamboo society members, friends, gardeners and collectors,

 Hosted by the World Bamboo Organization and IKEBANA,

we invite you to please join us in celebrating

the beauty and utility of bamboos.

14h :   Welcome and Introduction, by Susanne Lucas

    (Chair of Ornamental Session and Executive Director, World Bamboo Organization)

Presentations by Raymond Townsend of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK),

Ned Jaquith of Bamboo Garden Nursery (Oregon, USA),

Jos van der Palen of Kimmei Nursery (NL), 

Helder Carvalho of Bambuparque (Portugal), 

Dr. Tan of Fu Min Xing Nursery (FMXG), Yunnan (China),

and others.    Live plant sales, book sales and exhibits.

Reception and Dinner, followed by music event featuring John Kaizan Neptune and his band,

Take-Dake from Japan (shakuhachi and more!).  

Total Cost:  75 euros complete.

To REGISTER, please go to :   http://guestlistapp.com/events/45327

                                           or, telephone WBC Secretariat, Frances Schutte  (32) 3265-3569 /                                            

                                                                               secretariat@worldbamboocongress.org

FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE 9TH WBC, PLEASE GO TO :  www.WORLDBAMBOOCONGRESS.org

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