Celebrating Visionaries in Bamboo Innovation

Zhu Zhaohua, born in 1938 in Zhejiang Province, China, graduated from the Department of Biology, Lanzhou University in 1962, and was a senior researcher of the Research Institute of Forestry, the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF). As a scientist, Professor Zhu has made outstanding contributions to world forestry research. He is knowledgeable, friendly and well known to the world.

For his early career, Zhu carried out the integrated research project on the forest resource Paulownia, funded by the Chinese Government and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)(1978-1991). The research included the taxonomy and distribution of genus Paulownia, selection and breeding of Paulownia, effects and structure of Paulownia intercropping, the technique of cultivation and the agroforestry model of Paulownia, technologies of propagation and cultivation, etc. Since 1989 the majority of Zhu’s work was focused on the integrated research on Agroforestry and Paulownia. Zhu led the project "Integrated Research on Agroforestry System in China"(1991-1995) and the project "Alternative Socioeconomic Approaches to Reclaiming Degraded Lands" jointly supported by IDRC-CIFOR (1995-1997). He earned the title of “The Special Contribution Scientist of State” by State Council of China (1991).

Beside national and provincial awards, Zhu also received many international awards, including in 1985, the award of the first "Man of Tree" by International Richard St. Barbe Baker Foundation for his contribution in developing rural forestry in China; in 1995, he received an award by the Prime Minister of Canada – Jean Chrétien on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of IDRC for his contribution in leading international cooperation projects; in the same year, Zhu was entitled “All Life Research Professor of Indian Academy of Forestry”; and in 2002, he was elected the Honorable Member of the American Society of Foresters.

A number of Zhu’s publications in English have been used extensively by other researchers. These include:

1. Paulownia in China – Cultivation and Utilization, 1985.

2. Agroforestry Systems in China, 1987.

3. Participatory Forestry in China, 1997.

4. Non-Timber Forest Products and Forest Biodiversity in China, 2001.

5. Sustainable Development of the Bamboo and Rattan Sectors in Tropical China, 2001.

6. Impact Assessment of Bamboo Shoot on Poverty Reduction in Linan, China with Elsie Yang, 2003.

Zhu has been invited to 45 countries for the purposes of academic and technical exchange. He was in charge of the organization of 36 international training workshops since 1987, 910 international participants from more than 50 countries attended these workshops. He was invited by many international organizations and national governments as project consultant, and has provided consultant services in 14 countries: USA, Australia, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Syria, Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, Colombia, Bolivia, the Philippines and Vietnam. It is easy to see why Zhu is considered an international expert of worldwide influence in many countries. His publication, Sustainable Development of the Bamboo and Rattan Sectors in Tropical China, 2001, is a benchmark for the modern management schemes and develop projects worldwide.

Professor Zhu is one of the founders and the first Deputy Director General of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), which is the first international organization headquartered in China. From 1995, Zhu has spent great energy to carry out the research and study on the bamboo and rattan development strategies of China. From 1999 to now, Zhu has been undertaking the annual international training workshops on bamboo and rattan for INBAR. From 2000, Zhu was entitled the Distinguished Fellow of INBAR for Life. He is considered a founding father for his significant contributions to the establishment of INBAR.

Zhu Zhaozhu is absolutely a World Bamboo Pioneer!