Even though Costa Rica has taken a great effort towards protecting its rich biodiversity, it still suffers a high rate of deforestation. In order to combat this problem, Costa Rica has devised policies which encourage more sustainable development. In response to deforestation, the most obvious plan of action is reforestation. Another solution is to find a wood substitute that would release pressure off the primary and secondary rain forests, while at the same time offer economic reinforcement to the rural poor.

Both of these objectives can be met through the introduction of bamboo. Bamboo grows on a wide variety of soils, which makes it a good choice for reforestation on depleted soils. Bamboo can actually revive land that has been degraded due to overgrazing or chemical abuse by reducing soil erosion and adding biomass to the soil. Furthermore, primary and secondary forests should never be cut down in order to plant bamboo since the goal is to find a wood substitute to decrease deforestation of natural forests.

Bamboo is classified as a woody grass, but can be used as a wood substitute due to it’s high flexibility and strength. It can be used for a variety of things, including mat boards or "ply bamboo" , construction of all types, furniture manufacture, and arts and crafts.