BAMBOO: ANCIENT MATERIALS FOR MODERN TIMES

Bamboo

Ancient materials for modern times

Bamboo conjures images of Asian jungles, rattan furniture, and slow-chewing giant pandas. Used for centuries as a construction material and raw material for producing paper pulp, it is also a food source for humans and animals. Its unique and versatile properties make it both potentially useful and potentially variable as an engineering product. This article explores a renewed interest in the use of bamboo in Fiji and how confidence is growing over its promise to address multi-dimensional issues facing Fiji and other Pacific island nations.

Clumping bamboo efforts

In Fiji, the government and private interests are together developing the framework by which bamboo can be grown as a livelihood, harvested as a construction material and matured in land restoration. It also has uses in furniture making, paper, textiles, food and production of charcoal. Bamboo is able to grow in degraded lands to help stop soil erosion, while restoring soil nutrients. The Fiji Bamboo Association (FBA) was established in 2019 with a vision to combine the efforts of the bamboo industry and transform people’s livelihoods and environmental sustainability in Fiji. In 2020, the Fijian government joined the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR), in a clear demonstration of its intent to invest in deriving the benefits of bamboo. Through INBAR’s support and collaboration with the Pacific Islands Development Forum, the Fiji Bamboo Centre will be opened in 2023, under the Ministry of Forestry and guidance from FBA, to co-ordinate all “bamboo-related activity” in Fiji. Fiji’s Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is also committed to seeing the success of the industry. In 2017, then Minister, Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa, articulated at COP23 how bamboo can be “used to create diversified income streams for particularly vulnerable groups, such as women, as well as create resilient… housing.” Bamboo can therefore play a role in the empowerment of women, children and the rural poor, as well as adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

Bending to the climate

This is a welcome return for bamboo in Fiji, after Chinese efforts in the 1970s faltered due to lack of interest and investment. The situation has now reversed, driven chiefly by climate change concerns. In the construction industry, efforts to reduce carbon released by harvesting timber, emissions from steel and concrete manufacturing, reducing shipping emissions, and reducing soil erosion are supported by the economics of producing local, sustainable alternative products. Given Fiji’s topical climate, bamboo is an obvious choice. Bamboo exhibits material properties which make it well-suited as a disaster-resilient building material. Its bending strength enables it to deflect under wind loads without breaking and to absorb earthquake energy. This could reduce the cost and recovery period of natural disasters, as buildings survive and do not have to be rebuilt. Fiji has one native bamboo species (Schizostacyum glaucifolium) and up to 20 others. Research is underway to determine the most appropriate bamboo species to use as a sustainable material. FBA are looking at introducing seedlings of different species into the country that are better suited for the construction industry and for food, while cognisant of avoiding invasive species. Bamboo ticks a lot of boxes for a range of donors too – climate resilience, female participation, private sector growth, carbon storage, Sustainable Development Goals – making it ideal for attracting funding.

Putting in the ‘boo

Using bamboo to make paper and chairs may be relatively straightforward, but can it be used as a construction product? A kava bar is one thing, but a government building, conference centre or multi-story tower? It’s not in the building code, so which standard is applicable to the use of bamboo? FBA presented at the recent Fiji Construction Industry Council’s annual conference on the uses of bamboo in construction to try to address some of these concerns. The key to using bamboo in construction, at a scale beyond simple shelters, is to reduce the variability of its properties. To engineers, variability means unreliability. The way to reduce this variability is already well known to structural engineers who use timber for large construction – composite or laminated members. Composite bamboo is a manufactured product which uses a combination of bamboo fibre and epoxy. Composite can be produced in shapes and sizes to suit engineering applications such as beams, framing timbers and flooring structures. It can also be used for architectural applications common to timber, such as flooring and paneling. The use of bio-epoxy, produced from algae, can make this product completely sustainable. Bamboo can also be used as beams, rafters and columns in its natural form, but, similar to regular timber, needs to be treated with boric acid to prevent termite attack. Standards need to be developed and implemented to enable the production industry to be regulated and for specifiers and builders to gain confidence in the use of bamboo. Mark Borg, FBA’s CEO spoke with PT and described the situation, “Country building codes need to be updated with guidelines on the use of bamboo in construction. We do not have to reinvent the wheel here either… many countries have already done so and we just need to adapt these to our own circumstances.” Borg is right – many countries, including tropical countries, East Asian countries and those who identify as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – have adopted bamboo as a solution to various challenges. East Asia has a very mature industry and could be studied for applicability. International standards exist for the structural design and material testing of round (culm) bamboo, to meet minimum requirements, for structures up to two storeys (7m) in height. These have also been codified in some countries and Fiji would do well to expedite an update to the National Building Code to include specific requirements for the design and use of bamboo.

The new cane?

The bamboo industry is worth USD 60 billion globally. If Fiji can develop the agriculture and manufacturing to grow, harvest and produce bamboo building products, a global market awaits. The post-colonial evolution of the sugar cane industry in Fiji and the just use of traditional land may be an avenue for good bamboo farming practice. Government policy to support and protect the industry will be essential to producing bamboo at scale, for domestic use and export. Business growth to support the sector will also expand - consider treatment and drying centres as well as transportation of input and output products. Solomon Islands uses more bamboo than Fiji, but the industry there is not harmonised. Tonga is a member of INBAR and would likely be a willing ally in any joint Pacific efforts. Given the universal challenges facing the Pacific and the potential presented by bamboo, a collaborative approach to technology sharing, manufacturing centres and decentralised participation will distribute the benefits broadly. In time, perhaps bamboo will conjure images of Pacific resilience and partnership. l

Left to Right: NHA Executive Director Mr. Christian Nieng and GOC CEO Mr. Peter Stewart formalising the agreement with SINU Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) Dr. Jack Maebuta as SINU Pro Vice Chancellor (Corporate) Mr. Shadrach Fanega looks on.

GOC, NHA, SINU sign Venue Use Agreement

THE GAMES Organizing Committee (GOC), the National Hosting Authority (NHA) and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) this month, signed a Venue Use Agreement that would allow for the use of SINU facilities before and during the 2023 Pacific Games. As part of the agreement, SINU had granted the rights for the use of its three campuses namely; SINU Kukum Campus, SINU Ranadi Campus and SINU Panatina Campus to be used as venues to conduct Games events come next year’s Sol2023 Pacifi c Games. Speaking at the signing, SINU Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Jack Maebuta said that SINU is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands Government deliver a successful 2023 Pacific Games. “The willingness and participation of the Venue Use Agreement is a testament and demonstration of our support to the Solomon Islands Government to successfully host and deliver a memorable legacy and the best Pacifi c Games ever.” Dr Maebuta said that through the agreement, SINU has provided to the Pacifi c Games around 40 to 50% (percent) of its usable land to construct additional and related facilities for the delivery of the Games. He added that SINU is proud to be partnering with GOC and NHA through the signing of the agreement with the aim of helping Solomon Islands host the best Pacific Games ever to be held in the region. NHA Executive Director, Christian Nieng said that the signing marked yet another key milestone that the GOC. Mr Nieng added that SINU provides the largest athlete accommodation space needed for the Sol2023 Pacific Games, whilst also acknowledging the progress of all Committees under NHA – labelling preparations as being on track. GOC Board Member, Mr Robert Iroga thanked SINU for its commitment in partnering with GOC and NHA – labeling the partnership as timely and critical. “GOC sees this partnership with SINU as timely and critical towards delivering a successful Games next year,” he said. Mr Iroga meanwhile, also revealed that GOC is expecting all venues to be completed by June, 2023. l

Recent Table Tennis Competition at Friendship hall. Since opening several organised sports and programs have already been facilitated at the Facility.

PM Sogavare Awarding one of the original 2008 futsal players.

Friendship Hall Opens Doors

PRIME MINISTER Manasseh Sogavare has officially opened the country’s first ever Multi-Purpose Futsal facility, the friendship hall on November 1 2022. The opening of the Friendship hall will not only boost the moral and training experience of current and upcoming futsal players but will also complement training programs for other indoor sports including volleyball, basketball, netball, and more. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during the opening ceremony also affirmed local sports federations that the facility is designed for multi-purpose sports, which means it can also accommodate other sports competitions, trainings, and public events. The National Hosting Authority as the current custodian of sporting facilities that are being built in preparation for the Sol2023 Pacific Games, will be co-managing the facilities with NSC and is keen on opening these facilities to the sports federations to enhance their preparations. Since the opening of the Friendship hall this week, the NHA has already received several requests for the use of the facility for upcoming sporting events including the Bulk Shop Futsal finals which are expected to take place on 4 November 2022. l

PM acknowledges 2008 Kurukuru Futsal team

THE SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged the original 2008 Kurukuru Futsal squad and coaches that have trailblazed the highest level of sportsmanship by representing Oceania region in the FIFA Futsal World Cup on several occasions. Prime Minister Sogavare gave such remarks during the official opening of the Friendship hall multi-purpose futsal stadium at Panatina, on 1 November 2022. As a token of his appreciation towards the futsal stars, Prime Minister Sogavare presented each member of the squad including their coaches with sealed envelope tokens of SBD$1,000 each. In response, team coach Mr. Dickson Kadau said the once Kurukuru golden boys turned men, value the kindness and exemplary humble gesture exerted by the leader of this nation, as a sign of recognition and appreciation to their national contribution and are very grateful for the thoughtfulness. The opening of the Multi-Purpose Futsal hall marks a huge milestone in the development of Futsal in the country. The National Kurukuru Futsal Team has been carrying the National flag through several FIFA world cup campaigns for 14 years despite not having any proper training facility, and the opening of the Friendship MP Futsal Sports Complex to have a new futsal home is a dream come true for the team. l

Pacific Games Council members and Chef De Mission visit games venues.

Pacific Games Council and Chef De Missions Visit Sol2023 Games Venues

THE SOL2023 Games Organising Committee (GOC) have facilitated a one-day site visit to all the games venues and currently constructed games facilities for the President and members of the Pacific Games Council Board and all Chef De Missions and Team Managers from the 24 Participating countries to the 2023 Pacific Games next year. The sites tour led by the GOC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Peter Stewart and GOC Operations Manager Jack Smith, together with Villages Manager, Mr Joseph Iniga, and Venues Manager, Mr Pongi Tangia, took place on 19 November 2022. The tour covered the games villages including: Don Bosco Technical Institute, St. Josephs Tenaru school, SINU (Ranandi and Kukum campuses) and St. Nicholas school. The tour also involved visits to games venues including: The Honiara Golf Course, the new Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Academy, KGVI East and West sports venues and the friendship hall. In a statement former Chef de Mission for the Solomon Islands who also accompanied the tour Mr. Ronald Bei Talasasa Jr said the visit really gave him a sense of pride and nationalism seeing the unprecedented level of commitment and investment the government has put into sports development in preparations for the Games in November next year. “I left the country, Solomon Islands, in mid-2019. When I left, Panatina fields up to KGVI grounds, opposite the Taiwanese farms were all grass lands with the only structure there was the Allan Boso complex. “On my return on Wednesday 16 November and more particularly the visits by the Chef de Missions on Saturday 19 November, I couldn't believe my eyes. All the grassland is gone. I saw only concrete slubs barricading the grounds and metals in the skies. Unbelievable!” Talasasa uttered. “It only confirms my apprehensions that when governments are fully behind sports, sports catapults to a higher level.” “It is no joke and not simple that the facelift in preparation for PG 2023 has taken many miles of steps ahead of our time. It was brought about because of a vision and a determination by the current leadership in government to give a future to the young populace. It is the best that any government could offer to our youths and generations of children tomorrow.” “The country will remember Prime Minister Sogavare and his government for all time. Our generations today should appreciate that,” Talasasa said. Meanwhile the Chief Executive Officer of the Games Organising Committee Mr. Peter Stewart said “The opportunity to have all the Chefs de Mission on the ground here in Honiara was greatly appreciated by the GOC. It allowed us to clearly articulate the services that will be provided to each team and to address any issues they may have, well ahead of the Games in November next year.” The visiting delegation were here in the Honiara to assess the country’s preparation for the games in relation to the facilities, accommodation and all operational aspects of the games – 1 year out from the Games Opening ceremony. l

NHA to maintain Ownership of Constructed Venues post Sol2023 Games

PRIME MINISTER Manasseh Sogavare has opted that the Sol2023 Pacific Games venues and facilities both completed and still under construction, will remain under the custody of the National Hosting Authority until the Games are successfully held in November 2023 and then NHA will distribute non-financial assets appropriately. In his official remarks during the opening of Friendship Hall this week, Prime Minister Sogavare said the NHA will work in partnership with the National Sports Council to ensure these facilities are properly co-managed and looked after. This will be the progressive plan post 2023 where the NHA will be able to strengthen the capacity of the NSC to be able to completely manage the facilities in the years ahead. Currently the Friendship Hall gifted to Solomon Islands government by the Indonesian Government is the first of several venues to be completed and looked after by NHA since the opening. The NHA and NSC are looking at utilising these facilities for the preparation and development of athletes in preparations for the pacific games. The Opening of the friendship hall marks the start of more games venues and facilities being built for the 2023 pacific games and where time permits, open to public before the venues are handed over to the games organising committee to fit them out for the 2023 Pacific games purposes next year.

NHA to maintain ownership of built facilities. (KG West End Sports park under construction).

Gov’t, HCC discuss Safe and Green Games

THE GOVERNMENT Services Integration Committee (GSIC), of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, held fruitful discussions with key Government officials from Government Ministries and the Honiara City Council on the Safe and Green Games Strategic Action Plan. Discussions focused on the Safe and Green Games Strategic Action Plan as a whole of Government Approach encompassing all government ministries, HCC and stakeholders to support the Pacific Games 2023. The discussions included key activities in the Safe and Green Games including the critical role of HCC as the Host City. Honiara City Clerk Justus Denni said HCC is fully aware of the prominent role to play in preparations in the lead up and during the Pacific Games 2023. Denni said HCC will continue to focus on its normal service delivery but will need further support from the National Government and other stakeholders to double its eff orts during the Games. He added there are plans and constraints but he is hopeful and looked forward for support to prepare and host the Pacific Games in 2023. Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries from other Government ministries also contributed to the discussions on the specific and respective roles each ministry will play to support the preparations and hosting the Pacific Games 2023. Chair and Coordinator GSIC-PG2023, Benard Bata’anisia urged all the ministries, HCC and stakeholders to work and partner together in preparations. Contributions to discussions during the meeting were from key officials from the Government ministries including Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Police, National Security and Prison Services, Ministry of National Development Planning and Aid Coordination, Ministry of Women, Youth & Children’s Affairs and HCC. Follow up meetings will be held with other key stakeholders on the Safe and Green Games Strategic Action plan before launching in November 2022 – a year before the Games. The 17th Pacific Games will be held in Honiara, Solomon, Islands, from 19 November 2023 to 2 December 2023. l