A presentation given at the Global Bamboo and Rattan Congress (BARC 2018), 25-27 June 2018.

1. Bamboo and agro-educational tourism
Ximena Londoño
Colombian Bamboo Society
E-mail: ximelondo@gmail.com
BAMBOO AND RATTAN CONGRESS
BEIJING, June 25 to 27 2018
SESSION 8
BAMBOO AND RATTAN IN THE HORTICULTURAL EXPO2019

3. WHY DO WE WANT TO EDUCATE ABOUT
BAMBU THROUGH TOURISM IN COLOMBIA?
1. Because Colombia is one of the 5
most mega-diverse countries in the
planet, and the second country with
the highest bamboo diversity in
America after Brazil.
2. Because bamboo is a remarkable
actor in the evolution and history of
the culture of the central-west of
Colombia where it has been used by
o u r c o m m u n i t i e s s i n c e p r e -
Columbian times to the present day.
3. Because despite the many benefits
and the large size of bamboo we have
not acknowledged it nor developed it
into an agribusiness.

4. 4. Because we are monsters who devour energy
and nature, seriously altering the country's
ecosystemic balance (i.e. illegal mining,
illegal logging), and with bamboo we can
contribute to recover that lost balance.
5. Because through bamboo we want to turn
Colombia and the Coffee Region into a center
of agro-industrial and touristic development
based on cultural diversity and natural wealth.
6. Because through bamboo-tourism we want to
create a close bond with the surrounding
communities, benefiting them with jobs,
providing them with knowledge, economic
and cultural alternatives, promoting new
dynamics of association, thus contributing
to the peace process in Colombia.

5. We opened to the public 4 years ago (2014),
in our site we have created a harmonious
model of agriculture, science and nature,
framed within the concept of cultural,
agricultural an d e c o l o gi c al to u r i s m ;
complying with the principles specific to the
Declaration of Quebec - 2002, the central
axis of which is the importance of ecotourism
for the sustainable development of nations.

6. EL PARAISO DEL BAMBU Y LA GUADUA is a
company devoted to convey a life-passion for
bamboo-Guadua through:
Ø Agro-ecological tours
Ø Relaxing in a natural environment
Ø Specialized workshops
Ø Sales of organic products
Ø Sales of crafts and bamboo seedlings

7. In EL PARAISO DEL BAMBÚ Y LA GUADUA, we unite
the basic principles of sustainable tourism in economic,
social and environmental aspects.
Our principles are:
ØTo actively contribute to the conservation of the
natural and cultural heritage of bamboo-guadua.
ØTo involve local communities in the planning and
development of agro-tourism to generate wellbeing.
ØTo offer a unique environmental education and
recreation service to domestic and foreign visitors
around bamboo.

9. THANKS!! - XE XE!!