1.Forum Summary

The Second International Young Scientist Forum with the broader theme of bamboo resources in changing climate is a two-day hybrid event organized by the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Zhejiang A&F University (ZAFU), and International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR), co-organized by International Center for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR), China-Canada Joint Laboratory for Bamboo & Rattan Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Jiangxi Academy of Forestry, Asia Pacific Forestry Education Coordination Mechanism (APFECM), Nanjing Forestry University, Southwest Forestry University, and IUFRO Division 5.11.05 - Bamboo and Rattan. Taking advantage of hybrid platforms, the forum facilitates international participation and communication. The event explores innovative bamboo-based solutions to combat climate change, covering a range of topics in the following 4 sessions:

1）Bamboo Ecology and Physiology (including but not limited to):

• Bamboo Growth Cycles and Adaptation: Present how bamboo species adapt to various ecological conditions, including soil types, water availability, and climate variations.
• Physiological Responses to Climate Change: Explore how bamboo’s photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and water regulation mechanisms respond to increased CO₂, temperature changes, and extreme weather events.
• Ecological Interactions: Study bamboo’s role within ecosystems, such as how it interacts with soil microorganisms, other plant species, and animals and the impact of its fast growth on local ecosystems.
• Soil Health and Bamboo: Discuss how bamboo contributes to soil health through organic matter input, root stabilization, and the prevention of erosion.

2）Carbon Management and Livelihood (including but not limited to):

• Carbon Sequestration and Storage: Emphasize bamboo’s efficiency in capturing carbon and its role in long-term storage through both natural forests and bamboo-based products with a low lifecycle carbon footprint.
• Carbon Offsetting Programs: Explore the opportunities and challenges in integrating bamboo forests into carbon credit markets, providing local communities with economic benefits through carbon offset programs.
• Community-Led Carbon Management: Showcase case studies where community-based bamboo management enhances carbon sequestration while supporting rural livelihoods.
• Carbon Sequestration in Agroforestry Systems: Investigate how incorporating bamboo into agroforestry can boost carbon capture and provide farmers with diversified income streams.

3）Biodiversity of Bamboo Forests (including but not limited to):

• Biodiversity Hotspots in Bamboo Ecosystems: Highlight regions where bamboo forests support high levels of biodiversity, focusing on the conservation of species that depend on bamboo habitats.
• The Role of Bamboo in Habitat Connectivity: Discuss how bamboo forests act as ecological corridors for wildlife, supporting migration and genetic flow in fragmented landscapes.
• Conservation Threats and Solutions: Explore the threats to bamboo biodiversity, such as land-use change and innovative conservation approaches that integrate bamboo forests with broader biodiversity strategies.
• Bamboo Forest Restoration and Biodiversity Recovery: Case studies on how bamboo is being used in habitat restoration projects and the subsequent impact on local species diversity.

4）Emerging Technologies and Businesses (including but not limited to):

• Innovative Bamboo Products and Markets: Showcase advanced products derived from bamboo, such as bamboo textiles, composites, and construction materials, and their potential for product substitution.
• Digital Technologies in Bamboo Cultivation and Business: Explore how advanced technologies in digitalization, AI, blockchain, and remote sensing are transforming bamboo farming.
• Bamboo in the Circular Economy: Research on how bamboo waste is being recycled and upcycled into value-added products, contributing to a circular economy model.
• Entrepreneurship and Bamboo-Based Businesses: Present success stories and business models for startups and enterprises leveraging bamboo to create sustainable products and services.

This forum welcomes global young scientists, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and young professors conducting relevant research. Participants will engage in discussions, share knowledge, and foster collaborations to promote a sustainable future using bamboo as a key resource in combating climate change. There are also opportunities to submit posters to the forum. Furthermore, the Journal of Advances in Bamboo Science will launch an eponymous special issue reflecting the theme of the forum, encouraging global young scientists to participate and showcase their work.

2.Language

English

3.Forum Mode

Hybrid: Onsite at Zhejiang A&F University, China, and online globally.

4.Time

Vancouver: 5-8:30 PM, 11-12 December 2024

Beijing:

9 AM-18:00 PM, 12 December 2024

9 AM-12:30 PM, 13 December 2024

5.Organization

Organizers

Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia

Zhejiang A&F University

International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR)

Co-organizers

International Center for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR)

China-Canada Joint Laboratory for Bamboo & Rattan Science and Technology

Sichuan Agricultural University

Jiangxi Academy of Forestry

Asia Pacific Forestry Education Coordination Mechanism (APFECM)

Nanjing Forestry University

Southwest Forestry University

IUFRO Division 5.11.05 - Bamboo and Rattan

Supporting Organization

Journal: Advances in Bamboo Science

6.About the Forum

The Second International Young Scientist Forum is committed to investigating bamboo-based solutions to address the urgent issue of global climate change, emphasizing the crucial role of young scientists. The ongoing climate crisis poses significant and irreversible impacts on natural ecosystems, human societies, and economies, demanding urgent, immediate, and ambitious efforts to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and initiate a transition toward a sustainable and resilient future. Bamboo, a fast-growing woody grass, has shown immense potential as a nature-based solution to climate change. It outperforms many tree species in similar regions in terms of carbon sequestration and storage capacity. Bamboo forests, now covering over 35 million hectares globally, serve as an exceptional renewable resource, yielding a variety of durable and sustainable products, from flooring to furniture, that can substitute carbon-intensive materials, thereby reducing deforestation and pollution. In 2022, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) launched the ‘Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic Initiative.’ This initiative aims to amplify the use of bamboo to mitigate plastic pollution and address climate change challenges. With the global bamboo industry estimated to reach USD 90 billion by 2030, the development of bamboo-based products holds significant economic potential. In addition, introducing improved forest management activities in bamboo forests can generate carbon offset credits, providing financial incentives for farmers to better manage their bamboo forests and thus contributing to climate change mitigation and rural poverty reduction.

The forum seeks to gather young scientists from around the world, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and young professors, to delve into the potential of bamboo as a climate change solution. The forum will explore a range of topics, including bamboo livelihood and rural development strategies, climate change mitigation strategies, sustainable management practices, emerging bamboo-related technologies and businesses, and biodiversity conservation. The forum aims to inspire and empower young scientists to contribute to a more sustainable future by facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange. The forum will encourage high-quality article submissions to an eponymous special issue of the Journal of Advances in Bamboo Science.

7.Forum Plan

Day 1:

• Opening Ceremony (30 mins):
  • Welcome address.
  • Introduction of the event.
  • Special keynote speech by a world-renowned professor discussing the current state of climate change and the potential of bamboo-based solutions.
• Session 1 (1.5 hrs): “Bamboo Ecology and Physiology”
  • Keynote speech followed by presentations from young scientists.
  • Q&A session for dialogue and engagement.
• Session 2 (1.5 hrs): “Carbon Management and Livelihood”
  • Keynote speech followed by presentations from young scientists.
  • Q&A session.

Day 2:

• Session 3 (1.5 hrs): “Biodiversity of Bamboo Forests”
  • Keynote speech followed by presentations from young scientists.
  • Q&A session.
• Session 4 (1.5 hrs): “Emerging Technologies and Businesses”
  • Keynote speech followed by presentations from young scientists.
  • Q&A session.
• Closing Ceremony (30 mins):
  • Opportunity for attendees to network and discuss potential collaborations.
  • Reflection on the insights gained during the forum.
  • Awarding of ‘Best Presenter’ prizes.
  • Awarding of ‘Best Poster’ prizes.

8.Awards – Budget

Best Presenter – First Place

3 winners ($1200 each)

Best Presenter – Runner-up

4 winners ($600 each)

Best Presenter – Third Place

6 winners ($300 each)

Best Poster

3 winners ($200 each)

9.Registration

Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 Nov 2024

Website: https://afrc.forestry.ubc.ca/events-and-news/international-young-scientist-forum-climate-change-bamboo/