Twelve persons from Maria Elizabeth/Three Friends, Coomacka and Nottinghamshire, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) participated in a bamboo construction training programme aimed at building local capacity in the sustainable use of bamboo. The training, which ran from July 10-14, 2026, was implemented by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) under the European Union (EU)-funded Euroclima project, Piloting Bamboo for Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods in Guyana.

Participants are receiving hands-on instruction from Ecuadorian bamboo expert Olmedo Del Peso, focusing on construction techniques using bamboo materials. On the first day of training, participants were introduced to the handling of rounded bamboo and methods for constructing and securing joints. Participants were also given a chance to display their skills by constructing a bamboo structure on an existing cement foundation, successfully installing two main trusses. Participants were also introduced to techniques for flattening bamboo culms for use in walls and other construction applications. A post on the Natural Resources Ministry’s social media page stated that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the local partner for the project, continues to support INBAR’s efforts to strengthen the capacity of communities in sustainable bamboo production and utilisation.