Bamboo constitutes a significant portion of the total forest area in SAARC Countries. However, despite having rich bamboo resources, the sector suffers from poor protection, management especially inefficient harvesting systems and underutilization of the natural resource. Moreover, bamboo related value-added, market-oriented products are limited, causing insignificant contribution to the economy despite much dependence of the poor especially tribal people for their livelihood.  
 
The project proposes a bamboo based integrated development model by creating opportunities across harvesting to production and then marketing. The development model is based on the identification of key stakeholders and their key challenges across the value chain. The creation of sustainable high value economic opportunities will directly improve the quality of life for farmers, artisans, micro and small enterprises, designers, traders and exporters.