MUSANZE - A local organisation, Bamboo promotion for soil conservation and improved livelihoods in the surrounding zones of the Volcanoes National Park (BASOLI/PNV),  is set to build the capacity of communities on sustainable utilisation of bamboo, increase awareness and reinforce bamboo use around the park.

BASOLI/PNV, promotes bamboo planting and processing for sustainable conservation of the Park. At a workshop organised by the organisation in Musanze District, local authorities were urged to sensitise farmers to engage in large scale bamboo planting for commercial gains.

"The project will  increase the product’s quality and value, through development of new bamboo handcraft products like baskets, mats, furniture and weaved art will be produced locally for sale,’’ Bernard Byiringiro, one of the officials said.

It was revealed that 13,000 bamboo shoots will be bought from local communities and planted in nursery beds developed in 13 beneficiary cells.

These will produce at least 5,000 bamboo seedlings in each cell, and 50 representatives of local communities will receive training on handcraft making.

Speaking at the workshop, Prosper Uwingeri, the Chief Warden of the Volcano National Park, said illegal collection of resources from the park like bamboo cutting, honey collection and poaching are some of the human induced threats to the endangered gorillas.

‘BASOLI/PNV responds to the park’s concern of developing alternative resources and income generating activities outside the park. The lack of these resources make people rely on park resources, increasing the conflict between the park and surrounding communities,’’ Uwingeri said.

The workshop was attended by stake holders who included park officials, Sector and Cell Executive Secretaries, and conservation associations working in the park.

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