Bamboo is a crucial resource for tribal and rural communities in Tripura, contributing significantly to their livelihoods. With 149,000 artisans, it’s cultivated in tropical moist deciduous forests and evergreen patches, highlighting its importance in Tripura’s natural landscape. Tripura’s Forest Department has identified 19 common bamboo species, covering 3,246 km², but the sector faces pressing challenges despite its importance.
The Tripura Regional Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum, organized by the Balipara Foundation in collaboration with the Women’s Welfare Society, at Agartala on May 3, shed light on raising awareness about the biodiversity of bamboo and underscored its critical significance. It emphasized the indispensable role of bamboo, showcasing how its absence would impact various aspects of life and ecosystems.
The Forum, attended by key stakeholders like the Tripura Biodiversity Board, Tripura Bamboo Mission, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFI), Tripura Bamboo and Cane Development Centre (TRIBAC), and Women’s Welfare Society, highlighted the importance of bamboo in the lives of artisans and its potential in various initiatives. They emphasized the benefits of recognizing bamboo as a valuable asset for communities and ecosystems, emphasizing its significant role in the lives of artisans. Smt. Anima Das from the Tripura Biodiversity highlighted “Sustainable harvesting practices are vital to meet demand while preserving ecological balance. Without proper management, depletion of resources is inevitable, jeopardizing bioresources.”
