From Roots to Revenue: Securing Finance and Climate Solutions Through Agroforestry The Case of Bamboo 11 April 2025 Singapore The objective of this workshop is to build on the insights and innovative ideas from the Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) design thinking session on financing bamboo agroforestry (Development Asia for the proceedings). In this second installment, we focus on practical implementation, exploring real-world case studies from the Philippines to understand better the challenges, opportunities, and financial requirements for scaling the bamboo value chain. Using these case studies—alongside the findings from the SFF workshop—we will lay the groundwork for developing pilot projects that demonstrate the socio-economic and environmental impact of financing bamboo development. The goal is to identify scalable, impact- and investment-ready solutions that can be implemented across the Philippines and replicated in other ADB Developing Member Countries (DMCs). Through collaborative discussions, we aim to position bamboo agroforestry as a secure, bankable, and tradable asset—one that contributes to the net-zero transition, drives sustainable economic growth, and improves livelihoods across the region. Reading Material: Insights from Singapore Bamboo Workshop ADB Bamboo Social Impact Study - Consultant's Report Bamboo Social Impact Study This focused design thinking workshop, curated by the ADB, aimed to consider mechanisms to scale high-impact agroforestry. Using bamboo as a case study for how agroforestry might achieve affordable, disaster-resilient housing, climate mitigation, and financial health for the vulnerable, this session examined how a pilot project in the Philippines might be designed, scaled, and replicated globally. Key Discussion Points: How can bamboo be effectively integrated into financial systems to become a secure, bankable, and tradable asset, thereby enhancing access to credit for vulnerable populations in the Global South? What role can geospatial data and AI technology play in improving the valuation and risk assessment of bamboo plantations, and how can these innovations facilitate investment in sustainable housing solutions? How can collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and climate action groups enhance the scalability of successful bamboo agroforestry models and ensure they meet economic and environmental goals? How can alternative data, such as geocoding and geospatial data, combined with AI technology enhance financial health? This groundbreaking session brought together industry leaders, policymakers, technologists, and climate action groups to explore how geocoding, geospatial data, AI technology, fintech innovations, and climate finance can meaningfully solve the challenge. By enabling bamboo to become a secure, bankable, and tradable asset, we can achieve a more inclusive financial ecosystem that supports sustainable economic development and climate resilience. Related Documents: Concept Note and Agenda From Roots to Revenue: Securing Finance and Climate Solutions Through Bamboo Agroforestry Meet the Maddelas ADB Blog: Five Ways Bamboo Can Revolutionize Finance, Housing, and Sustainability Program and Learning Materials 11 April 2025 12 April 2025 Session / Activity Title Speaker(s) Keynote Speeches The Global Potential of Bamboo This presentation discusses the World Bamboo Organization's efforts to promote bamboo as a sustainable solution for climate action, economic… Susan Lucas Keynote Speeches Global Bamboo Development Trend This presentation provides an overview of the global development, trade, and potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource, highlighting its benefits… Durai Jayaraman Lightning Talks Stories from the Field, Deep Dive Discussions, Plenary Soundbites Financing a Climate Solution: Timber Bamboo and Engineered Bamboo Construction Materials This presentation gives an overview of the benefits and initiatives of Rizome, a climate solution company focused on using bamboo as a sustainable… David Sands Presentations Update on the CBR Roadmap and Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationship Project This presentation provides an update on the Correspondent Banking Relationship (CBR) Roadmap and the Pacific Strengthening CBR Project, detailing… Emosi Balenaivalu Presentations Mapping and Monitoring Bamboo Plantation This presentation gives an overview of the application of Earth observation and geospatial techniques to enhance the bamboo and coffee industries… Paolo Manunta, Syams Nashrrullah, Thibaud Vantalon Session / Activity Title Speaker(s) Reading Materials Insights from Singapore Bamboo Workshop Disclaimer The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Event Coordinator/s Thomas Kessler Related Full Agenda ADB Organizer/s Finance Sector Office Read Also Photo Gallery Topics Environment Finance