Bamboo, also referred to as green gold, can be grown in Tanzania and Bagamayo. The product has great potential and is very sustainable as well, due to its ability to reduce the CO2 emission and the managing of the whole production cycle without waste materials. ‘Growing Gold’ brings economy to Bagamoyo, not only by growing and processing bamboo but also as a catalyst for various (new) local shops that will benefit from its possibilities for construction, furniture, clothes, energy (charcoal, biomass),… In future, the bamboo production can provide for cities like Dar es Salaam as well.Just outside the city centre, the Bamboo plant will continue the walk along Bagamoyo’s important heritage buildings and new infrastructure: the hospital, the fish market, the Old Customs House, the botanical garden, the Old Fort, TASUBA art school… and strengthening the green ribbon along the Indian ocean.
The processing centre can be built by local craftsmen, thus experiencing and showing the beauty of working with this sustainable material. Workshops, demonstrations and info sessions bring the versatility of bamboo as a resource for daily use products to the visitors.
Growing Gold can be the starting point of new economic activities in Bagamoyo, while at the same time highlighting its identity as an ambassador of sustainability.