China's green story of bamboo: How ecological strength is turned into development momentum

In 2022, China and the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization jointly promoted the "Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic" initiative, encouraging the use of bamboo as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. For Vietnamese youth Tran Thuy Linh, bamboo is more than just a material; it carries broad ecological and economic value. She noted that bamboo can help reduce plastic use, sequester carbon, and support rural development and eco-tourism. Citing bamboo forests in Zhejiang as an example, Tran said ecological improvement has also helped boost local economic growth, achieving a balance between environmental and economic value. In her view, this offers a vivid example of the principle that "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."