World Bamboo Congress

Our Open Invitation

The World Bamboo Organization is extremely happy to announce the 9th World Bamboo Congress is to be held in Antwerp, Belgium on 10-15 April, 2012.

We are fortunate to have enthusiastic, competent organizers working with us from locally-headquartered IKEBANA (International Knowledge and Expertise centre Bamboo), alongside the University of Antwerp, to see this event a success. The generous financial sponsorship coming from the European Union, the local Flanders European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Hermes Fund, local Antwerp provincial offices, Oprins Plant NV, and Genicap Corporation NV, and De Kolonie bvba, gives us confidence and leverage to provide attendees a truly informative and beneficial conference experience.

Each World Bamboo Congress is positioned as a catalyst for dissemination of the most current scientific and field research information available worldwide in order to promote the sustainable and realistic utilization of bamboo for myriad of potentials, as well as to effectively promote the expansion of species-specific bamboo plantations for regional production and modern opportunities.

The 6 day event will include lectures divided into distinct categories relating to Science and Society (culture and economics) and Design, Innovation and Architecture (construction and products). Focus will be on current status and future potential, include Regional Reports and conclude with a workshop entitled, "Bamboo - a 50-year Perspective". The last day will consist of optional tours of interest. All presentations will be compiled electronically into the 9th WBC Proceedings and be made available to all attendees as valuable resource for future reference.

Best regards,
Susanne Lucas
Susanne Lucas
Executive Director, WBO

Thank you!

Thanks to the generous sponsorship coming from the European Union, the local province of Antwerp Agency for Entrepreneurs, the Flemish European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Hermes Fund, the University of Antwerp, Oprins Plant NV, Genicap Corporation NV, De Kolonie bvba, and other supporters.

Participation to the Bamboo BioSciences, Bioengineering and Agroforesty Potentials sessions at the University of Antwerp is FREE. The subscription is only valid, however, with a copy of the hotel, flight or train reservations. For delegates living close to the conference venue that will not use any public transportation or hotel accommodation (locals), we ask for a copy of a document with the residence country indicated. Delegates will have access to all information-disseminating activities and the opening reception as the main network event.

Peripheral activities require payment of fees and requires subscription: conference dinner, field trips and optional tours fitting in the social program. Anyone wishing to come must use the Guestlist subscription form linked here, and indicate which aspects of the WBC they wish to attend. Final deadline for all ticketing is 15 March 2012.

The second segment of the 9th WBC, Bamboo Design Innovations, Architecture and Modern Technologies, is distinct and takes place at another venue. Those wishing to attend must use the Guestlist subscription form linked here, and pay in advance for those aspects they wish to attend. Final deadline for all ticketing is 15 March 2012.

Planning these events are still underway, with new developments emerging and opportunities expanding. Check back often for updates and announcements!