Balancing Economic Growth And Ecological Sustainability: Challenges In The Global Bamboo Industry

Abstract

The global bamboo industry is an emerging strategic market which provides alternatives to timber, plastic, and steel all the while creating substantial value through trade, employment, and entrepreneurship. The rapid commercialization of bamboo and its myriad of species poses certain concerns regarding biodiversity, carbon emissions generated during processing and transport, and over exploitation of bamboo due to unsustainable cultivation methods. There is a gap in literature pertaining to the bamboo industry and
commerce in view of the environmental sustainability. This gap has been addressed in the current study. A descriptive design coupled with convenient sampling strategy was employed. This included an analysis of the economic gains, environmental concerns, policies put in place, technological innovations, and changes in consumer behavior through the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Using the developed conceptual model and data collected through participants in the study, which included industry stakeholders,
entrepreneurs, policymakers, and consumers, was analyzed. The study is anticipated to shed new light on the commercialization of bamboo which is often overlooked. This study is expected to align the economic gains attributed to bamboo commercialization to sustainable methods through a formulation of policies embodying green strategic innovation. The study enhances the existing literature on sustainable trade and commerce pertaining to bamboo by providing actionable information for banks and policymakers, as well as other stakeholders seeking a balance between environmentally sustainable business practices and profit maximization.