SHILLONG, June 11: Meghalaya has taken a significant step towards sustainable resource management with the launch of a pilot project to certify bamboo forests under international standards, paving the way for global market access, environmental protection, and enhanced rural livelihoods.
Bamboo, hailed as one of the most versatile and renewable resources, is deeply interwoven with Meghalaya’s ecology, economy, and culture. It is used in construction, handicrafts, paper, textiles, food, and agriculture.
As the world increasingly turns to sustainable alternatives, demand for bamboo-based products has surged. The state’s favourable climatic and soil conditions make it ideal for expanding bamboo cultivation, but doing so responsibly requires stringent sustainability protocols.
Recognising this, the Centre of Excellence for Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Livelihoods has initiated a pilot project to certify selected bamboo forests in the state under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards. The initiative aims to ensure that bamboo harvesting is environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable.
At a recent workshop, experts presented the draft Bamboo Forest Management Plan, developed according to the FSC guidelines. Local communities, including stakeholders from both the Khasi and Garo Hills regions, participated in the session, where the discussions focused on establishing clear steps for forest certification, traceability, and compliance with global sustainability criteria.
Certification of bamboo forests is not just about ecological safeguards; it also opens up premium international markets for local artisans and producers. Certified bamboo commands a higher value and guarantees that harvesting practices are both legal and sustainable, offering economic uplift to smallholder communities and indigenous populations.
“Bamboo forest certification is a strategic step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, aligning with global climate action and responsible trade practices,” said a representative from the Centre. The plan aims to balance environmental integrity with economic opportunity, positioning Meghalaya as a responsible and competitive player in the bamboo economy.
As the certification process advances, it holds promise for a greener future — one where bamboo doesn’t just grow in abundance, but thrives sustainably, enriching lives and landscapes across the state.
