Bamboo has high strength, stiffness, light weight, good seismic performance, known as "plant steel", and the Ecuadorian government is vigorously supporting and promoting the application of bamboo in the construction field.
On July 27, 2022, the launch ceremony of the Sustainable Bamboo House Construction Project in Ecuador was held in The Manabí Province. President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador, Minister of Urban Development and Housing Gabriela Aguilera, Director of THE INBAR Regional Office for Latin America Jacome, and participants from the Local Government and the Manabí School of Sustainable Bamboo Architecture attended the launching ceremony.
△ President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador attended the launching ceremony of the Sustainable Bamboo House Construction Project
Supported by the Sustainable Bamboo Architecture Demonstration Project, The Manabee Bamboo Architecture School mainly trains construction industry talents who master bamboo structure construction techniques and promotes the sustainable management and utilization of natural bamboo resources, and has trained hundreds of trainees. The Sustainable Bamboo Building Demonstration Project is funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and implemented by the INBAR Organization, with strong support from the European Investment Bank and other strategic partners. The project aims to address the housing shortage while helping to mitigate climate change and create sustainable jobs.
In his speech, President Lasso emphasized the important role of bamboo in the field of architecture. He mentioned that after the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador, bamboo structure houses showed excellent seismic performance, while houses built of conventional materials such as concrete, steel and zinc collapsed in large quantities, indicating that "these conventional building materials are not the most suitable." He also said that promoting the use of bamboo resources has brought opportunities to boost the economy, which can help local people to start businesses and increase income, improve livelihoods, and promote the development of the bamboo industry.
In his speech, President Rasso congratulated INBAR on its 25th anniversary and thanked Ecuador for its long-term support
President Russo congratulated the students of the Manabee School of Sustainable Bamboo Architecture on their success, affirmed the achievements of the school since its establishment, and said that efforts should be continued to "promote this work in Manabí province and other coastal provinces".
President Russo congratulated the graduates of the Manabee School of Sustainable Bamboo Architecture
Launched on the same day, the Sustainable Bamboo House Construction Project proposes to build bamboo houses with an area of 56 square meters each and a cost of about $18,700, with the Ecuadorian government having pledged full funding. The implementation of the project will make an important contribution to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 "Building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements".
△ Teachers and students of The Manabee School of Sustainable Bamboo Architecture
Hacome, director of the INBAR Regional Office for Latin America, believes that bamboo is the future direction of development. "Ecuador is at the forefront of the entire Latin American region in the development of the bamboo industry. As a green building material, bamboo has been widely used in the construction field in Europe and the United States, while also contributing to economic growth and providing equal employment opportunities. ”
△ The proposed bamboo house was jointly designed by INBAR and ecuador's Ministry of Urban Development and Housing to solve the housing shortage and boost the local economy