Laos

Bamboo’s Plural Values and Environmental Justice in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) 

Postdoctoral Researcher Violeta Gutiérrez Zamora 

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The growing global demand of bamboo, along its inclusion in bioeconomy strategies and nature-based solutions raises important questions about their socio-ecological impacts and implications for environmental justice. The research conducted in the Lao PDR focused on understanding the work done by rural development interventions targeting bamboo value chains. The study aimed to explore how the plural values ​​of bamboo species (i.e. economic, cultural, aesthetic and ecological) have been addressed in sustainable rural development policies and projects.

Through qualitative research methods, the research analyzed two cases:

• The Bamboo Program implemented in Huoaphanh Province implemented by international non-govermental organizations (GRET and SNV), and a Lao civil society organization named Bamboo NTFPs Development Association (BNDA).
• Female entrepreneurs and artisans working with bamboo in Vientiane Province, who have not received external intervention.

Two research visits were conducted in June 2023 and March 2024 to carry out structured and semi-structured interviews with various actors involved in these processes. Additionally, the research project organized two workshops, which were led and coordinated by the BNDA.

The results of this study will highlight the importance of recognizing the work carried out by peasants, traders, Lao civil society organizations and other stakeholders in bamboo-based value chains. The study aims to support academics, civil servants, and non-governmental actors in considering the wide range of values in decision-making to promote a more inclusive and just forest governance. Publications are currently in progress.