International Network for Bamboo and Rattan

The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) is an independent intergovernmental organization established in 1997 to develop and promote innovative solutions to poverty and environmental sustainability using bamboo and rattan.

INBAR is a member of Association of International Research and Development Centers for Agriculture (AIRCA).

INBAR evolved from an informal network of bamboo and rattan researchers set up in 1984 by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada. In 1993 the network was formalized under its present name but remained a project of IDRC. Work to launch INBAR as an independent organization started in 1995, and was completed in 1997 when INBAR became an independent organization with its headquarters in Beijing, China – the first intergovernmental organization to be headquartered in the People's Republic.

Membership of INBAR is open to member states of the United Nations and to intergovernmental organizations. INBAR currently has 42 member countries. INBAR's supreme governing body is the Council of representatives of its member countries which meets biennially. The Board of Trustees is the second tier of governance, and develops appropriate policies, oversees management and ensures efficient operations at its annual meetings. The Director-General is a member of the Board of Trustees and is responsible for day-to-day running of the organization. The current Director General is Dr. Hans Friederich.

INBAR's Headquarters is in Beijing, China and it has regional offices for South Asia (New Delhi, India), East Africa (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), West Africa (Kumasi, Ghana) and Latin America and the Caribbean (Quito, Ecuador). INBAR is managed by its Executive Management team, which comprises the Director General, Deputy Director General, Treasurer, and the Director of Communications and Outreach, Membership, and programmes.