Suva, Fiji, April 28, 2025 – The ‘Fiji Bamboo to Adapt and Mitigate Climate Change’ project implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful commencement of mechanical testing of the most commonly occurring bamboo species in Fiji, Bambusa Vulgaris. This initiative, launched on the 21st of October 2024, aims to explore the species’ viability for sustainable construction and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The current research on examining the mechanical properties of Bambusa Vulgaris in Fiji is being led by Mr. Asheel Kumar, project consultant for the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and Project Supervisor Dr. Patrick Singh of Fiji National University (FNU) in partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Forestry. The project is implemented by GGGI with support from the New Zealand Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as the Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade via the LECRD program. Technical expertise is also provided by the Base Bahay Foundation to help guide and validate the testing processes, as part of its knowledge sharing efforts
The project involves testing 101 bamboo pole samples using three key mechanical tests: Flexural Bending, Compressive Strength, and Shear Strength. Compressive and Sheer Strength tests are conducted at the FNU ERDC Lab, while the Flexural Bending test will be carried out at the Ministry of Forestry Lab in Nasinu. The sampling and treatment were carried out by the project consultant and a team led by Mr. Epi Tabua of the Research and Development Unit at the Ministry of Forestry, strengthening local collaboration.
To better understand and evaluate the properties of bamboo under different climate conditions, the team sourced bamboo from two separate locations with distinct geographical and climate attributes. Bamboo was sampled from Colo-I-Suva (wet conditions) and Ba (dry conditions) from the Central and Western side of Viti Levu respectively. Once collected, the bamboo poles underwent a leaching process which included being submersed in water for seven days to remove starch and improve pest resistance. The poles were then chemically treated with Anti-blu and Vacsol to increase bug resistance before being air-dried at Ministry of Forestry. The treated bamboo poles are being kept at the FNU laboratory to ensure that it maintains moisture content of 10-12% as it undergoes testing. To date, 7 out of the 101 harvested bamboo poles have been successfully tested in accordance with the BS ISO 22157:2019 standard while the remaining poles continue to be dried at the FNU labs.
To increase local capacity to conduct bamboo testing and address bamboo’s unique structural characteristics, innovative testing methods have been developed by the team. For the Flexural Bending Test, custom Pin-Hole Saddle Frames with belts were designed to replace conventional rollers, minimizing damage and ensuring accurate load distribution. The Compressive Strength Test utilized PTFE, Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) spray to reduce friction between bamboo and compression plates, enhancing result precision. Meanwhile, the Shear Strength Test required custom-fabricated shear plate assemblies, developed by FNU’s Welding and Fabrication Department, to ensure adherence to testing standards.
This research is generating much needed data on the structural properties of Bambusa Vulgaris’ structural integrity, which serves to inform its use in sustainable building projects across Fiji. As bamboo emerges as a key material in climate-resilient infrastructure and construction, the findings from this project will support its adoption for green infrastructure, reducing reliance on conventional timber and contributing to carbon sequestration. The ‘Fiji Bamboo to Adapt and Mitigate Climate Change’ project has been taking significant step towards leveraging local knowledge and natural resources through innovation, capacity building, partnerships, and research. The project not only strives to enhance the uptake of low-cost climate resilient construction materials like bamboo but contribute to overall increase in climate adaptation and resilience in Fiji.
About Fiji Bamboo to Adapt and Mitigate Climate Change Project
The project is being implemented by the GGGI with a coalition of Government and non-Government partners both locally and internationally and supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) and Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland under the Low Emissions and Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) Phase 2 Pacific regional program.
About Low Emissions Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) Program
The Low Emissions Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) in the Pacific Program supports Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) to transition to low-emissions climate resilient development through assistance with long-term inclusive planning and decision-making. The program entered Phase II in October 2023 and will continue to focus on policy-level support while expanding into more Pacific Island Countries and implementing with delivery partners. Funded by the New Zealand MFAT, the program is implemented in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
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For more information, visit: https://gggi.org
Shavneet Mani, Project Manager – Fiji Bamboo Project shavneet.mani@gggi.org
Kelly Vacala, GGGI Regional Communications and Knowledge Sharing Lead (Pacific)
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