UPMKB Bambusetum now houses over 840 bamboo species

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Sustainable Bamboo Cultivation and Conservation Efforts in the Region.

The initiative aims to promote sustainable bamboo cultivation and conservation efforts in the region.

The Bamboo Garden: A Sustainable Initiative

The Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus has launched a unique project, the ‘Bambusetum’, a five-hectare bamboo garden that showcases over 840 bamboo specimens from various local and foreign species. This initiative not only serves as a hub for sustainable bamboo cultivation but also contributes to the conservation of this versatile and eco-friendly crop.

The Importance of Bamboo

Bamboo is an incredibly valuable resource, providing numerous benefits for the environment, human health, and the economy. Some of the key advantages of bamboo include:

  • Carbon sequestration: Bamboo is a highly efficient carbon sink, absorbing more CO2 from the atmosphere than many other crops. Soil erosion prevention: Bamboo’s extensive root system helps to prevent soil erosion and landslides. Wildlife habitat creation: Bamboo provides a habitat for various species of plants and animals. * Medicinal properties: Bamboo has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, with many species possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. ### The Bambusetum Project**

    • The Bambusetum Project

    The Bambusetum project is a collaborative effort between the Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus and local stakeholders to promote sustainable bamboo cultivation and conservation. The five-hectare garden features over 840 bamboo specimens, including:

  • Local species: 500+ local species of bamboo, including the critically endangered Dendrocalamus giganteus. Foreign species: 340+ foreign species of bamboo, including Phyllostachys edulis and Dendrocalamus latiflorus.

    The centre is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, and is part of the University of Putra Malaysia (UPM) Kelantan Branch (KLB). The centre is dedicated to the study and development of bamboo, with a focus on its potential as a sustainable resource for the environment and human well-being.

    The History of Bamboo Research in Malaysia

    Bamboo research in Malaysia has a rich history that dates back to the 1970s. The first bamboo research centre was established in 1975 at the University of Malaya, and it was later relocated to the University of Putra Malaysia (UPM) Kelantan Branch (KLB) in 2005. The centre has since become a hub for bamboo research, attracting international attention and collaboration.

    The Bambusetum@UPMKB Centre

    The Bambusetum@UPMKB centre is a state-of-the-art facility that houses a team of researchers, engineers, and technicians dedicated to bamboo research. The centre is equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, including a large greenhouse, a bamboo nursery, and a testing facility for bamboo products.

    This ambitious target aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable land use.

    UPMKB’s Bamboo Project: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

    Background

    The University of Malaya’s Kampus Baru (UPMKB) has embarked on an ambitious project to cultivate bamboo on its campus. This initiative is part of the university’s efforts to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly campus environment. The project is a significant step towards achieving the state government’s goal of developing 10,000 hectares of commercial bamboo plantations by 2030.

    The Benefits of Bamboo

    Bamboo is an incredibly versatile and sustainable crop. It is a highly renewable resource that can be harvested in as little as three to five years, compared to traditional wood which can take decades to mature. Bamboo also has a number of environmental benefits, including:

  • Reducing carbon emissions: Bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen than many other plants. Promoting sustainable land use: Bamboo can be grown on marginal land, reducing the need for deforestation and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Providing habitat for wildlife: Bamboo forests provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. #### The UPMKB Project*

    • The UPMKB Project

    The UPMKB project involves the cultivation of bamboo on a 10-hectare plot of land on the university’s campus. The project is being implemented in partnership with the state government and a number of local organizations.

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