The vision for a global bamboo coalition was first conceived at the 4th International Bamboo Workshop in Chiangmai, Thailand . This pivotal event inspired a worldwide bamboo movement that has spanned decades and continues grow.

The International Bamboo Association (IBA) was officially established during the 3rd International Bamboo Congress in Japan. The IBA emerged as the central hub for bamboo practitioners globally, fostering dialogue and collaboration.

Following a request from Linda Garland of the Environmental Bamboo Foundation, the IBA worked with the International Network of Bamboo and Rattan to organize the 4th World Bamboo Congress in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

 The IBA facilitated the merger of the International Bamboo Congress and Workshop in Costa Rica, collaborating with INBAR and FUNBAMBU. This event is now archived by the WBO as the 5th World Bamboo Congress.

In 2003, Susanne Lucas, working with INBAR representative I.V. Ramanuja Rao and freelance consultant Karina Quintans, developed the structure, goals, and mission statement for the World Bamboo Organization (WBO) and launched its first official logo and website. The 7th World Bamboo Congress was confirmed through a signed MOU with India’s Ministry of Agriculture.

In collaboration with INBAR (then based in Delhi), the IBA developed the program for the 6th World Bamboo Congress, held in Delhi. This event marked the transition of the IBA into the World Bamboo Organization (WBO), enhancing our mission and impact. The first administrative Board of Directors was established, and the initial organizational bylaws were adopted.

The WBO was legally formed as a U.S. trade association, achieving 501(c)(6) tax-exempt status, with Susanne Lucas as Executive Director. The board of directors brought new expertise and professional support. Corporate bylaws were adopted.

WBO directors attended the 3rd Latin American Symposium in Guayaquil, Ecuador. An agreement with Ebiobambu of Brazil to host the 7th World Bamboo Congress in 2007 was later canceled due to political and funding issues.

Corporate bylaws were revised, and the board of directors was dissolved. Kamesh Salam from Assam, India, was appointed President of the WBO in December by Executive Director Susanne Lucas.

Lisa Santos (USA) succeeded David Flanagan (USA) as WBO Treasurer. In April, the WBO co-sponsored BAMFEST in Assam, India.

The WBO introduced the Bamboo Pioneer Awards to honor individuals with lifelong commitments to bamboo science and culture. These awards were inaugurated at the 8th World Bamboo Congress in Bangkok. Since then, 26 individuals have been recognized for their significant contributions.

The 8th World Bamboo Congress was held in Bangkok with support from the Royal Thai Forest Department. The first World Bamboo Day was celebrated on September 18, marking an annual event to raise awareness about bamboo's contributions to sustainability. ISSN was obtained for WBC Proceedings.

Under the leadership of Michel Abadie from Paris, France, who has served as President since 2010, the WBO has significantly expanded its influence and strategic direction. Susanne Lucas continues as CEO, driving innovation and fostering global collaborations to enhance the organization’s impact on the bamboo sector.

The 9th World Bamboo Congress was held in Antwerp, Belgium, supported by the University of Antwerp, IKEBANA, local municipalities, and Oprins Plant.

The 10th World Bamboo Congress took place in Damyang-gun, South Korea, supported by the local municipal government. Theme: Bamboo for a Greener Future.

The "BAMBOOK: The Global Bamboo Resource Directory" project was launched, connecting the global bamboo community and providing access to information on suppliers, products, and research. The WBO also aligned its initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Ambassador Corps was established to advance our mission, reflecting our commitment to promoting bamboo on a global scale.

The first World Bamboo Workshop laid the foundation for future events, bringing global experts together to exchange knowledge and explore Mexico's bamboo traditions.

The 11th World Bamboo Congress took place in Xalapa, Mexico, supported by commercial entities throughout the country.

The 2nd World Bamboo Workshop, Azpitia, Perú. Building on the inaugural workshop, the Peru event furthered the dialogue on traditional and innovative bamboo practices.

The third World Bamboo Workshop in Imphal, Manipur. Showcasing India’s rich bamboo heritage, this workshop highlighted cutting-edge research and applications in the region.

The fourth World Bamboo Workshop was hosted in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam. Focusing on Southeast Asia’s diverse bamboo applications, the Vietnam workshop emphasized regional innovations and sustainable practices

The fifth World Bamboo Workshop was held in Punta Brava, Guatemala, this workshop spotlighted Guatemala’s emerging bamboo industry and unique potential to provide resilient housing in an area at risk of rising sea levels.

The 12th World Bamboo Congress was held in Hsinchu and Caotun, Taiwan. Theme: Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation, and Design.