Wübu, S.A.
We are working on creating a new paradigm, based on bamboo holistic systems that offer human development and sustainability
Our company specializes in sustainable bamboo agroforestry systems, transforming the whole bamboo pole into a range of products, including bamboo strips, biochar, pellets for biofuel and later on, bamboo engineered wood, furniture and flooring.
Our plantations are not only a source of raw materials for these products, but also contribute to environmental conservation through carbon offsetting.
We are dedicated to developing global markets for our sustainable products, creating economic growth in rural areas, and promoting sustainable livelihoods through ecovillages and circular systems.
CEO - Founder
Juan Pablo Martínez
Juan Pablo Martínez is the visionary founder and creator of Wübu, a sustainable rural development model based in Guatemala.
After studying Business Administration at Universidad Rafael Landívar, he immersed himself in sustainable sciences, particularly Permaculture, and other disciplines used in sustainable living systems.
Juan Pablo's passion for sustainability led him to buy land to start Wubu, which is now based on bamboo and companion plants and livestock.
He designed the Wubu plantation systems based on timeless wisdom that he learnt through deep immersive study in sustainability and investigation of all religions and meditation.
In addition to his sustainable work, Juan Pablo is also a Meditation instructor. He co-founded the national bamboo Agro-chain and the National Bamboo Association, and presided over the first Guatemalan bamboo congress in 2022.
What guides us
Wübu values sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment. We focus on carbon offsetting and use of bamboo in a circular economy.
We have a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, we have an emphasis on creating sustainable livelihoods and supporting local communities highlighting a dedication to social responsibility and community development through honest production, transformation and worldwide markets.
01
Climate Stewardship
At Wübu, we are commited to support a sustainable future through our plantations, carbon sequestering, carbon neutral production, circular system Eco Villages, and rural sustainable development.
Check out how we support the Sustainable Development Goals established by the UN. Click here.
02
Transparency
We encourage our sponsors and investors to visit our plantations and view first hand how we use your funds to create climate remedy, rural sustainable development and strong worldwide markets for our products.
03
Team Work
We are committed to promoting the growth of bamboo industries in our countries, and we firmly believe that the future is based on bamboo. We work closely with local communities, landowners, NGOs, Government Institutions, and local and international companies to achieve our goals.
Our partnerships are built on the principles of cooperation, honesty, and hard work. We are proud to collaborate with institutions such as Universidad Da Vinci (UDV) in Guatemala. Together with UDV, we are developing specialized courses and training programs for university students, locals, guests, and artisans who are interested in learning about bamboo.
Through our partnership with UDV, we hope to raise awareness about the benefits of bamboo and inspire more people to join our mission of building a sustainable future with this amazing resource.
04
Growth and Innovation
At Wübu, we are committed to driving growth and innovation in everything we do. From our humble beginnings to where we are now, we've achieved many milestones and continue to push boundaries in our industry.
Our commitment to innovation has led us to develop new products and services, such as our bamboo squared strips and bamboo biochar, and we're constantly seeking out new solutions to meet the needs of our customers and the market.
We're proud of our company culture that supports creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning, which helps us stay at the forefront of our industry. With our eyes set on the future, we're excited to continue growing, expanding our impact, and innovating new solutions that make a positive impact on the environment and society.
05
Community Outreach
At Wübu, we are passionate about promoting rural sustainable development in Guatemala and neighboring countries. We believe that sustainable practices can not only protect the environment but also empower communities and improve livelihoods.
Through our use of bamboo as a renewable and eco-friendly resource, we aim to create circular systems that benefit both people and the planet. By providing sustainable income opportunities to rural communities, we aim to support local development and strengthen economies.
Our training seminar programs, as well as our business outreach systems creat sustainable development that support local economies and encourages locals to stay in their areas and contribute to a promising future based on practices that will ensure our permanence in this planet.
06
Craftsmanship
At Wübu, we take great pride in the craftsmanship of our bamboo poles and raw strips, which are carefully cured and hand-selected by our skilled artisans.
As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we are excited to introduce new products like bamboo squared strips and bamboo biochar in the second half of 2023.
These innovative products reflect our commitment to sustainable practices and circular systems, and we can't wait to share them with our customers.
At Wübu, we believe that every product we make tells a story and showcases the natural beauty and versatility of bamboo.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to grow and evolve.
Our Story
Wübu started operations in 2008 by a group of passionate individuals who shared a common goal: to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in Guatemala's Izabal region. The company's headquarters are located in Aldea Miramar, a beautiful coastal community near Livingston.
At first, Wübu's founders started trials with mango, orange, taro, coconut and other crops, but later, recognized the potential of bamboo as a versatile and eco-friendly resource that could be used for a variety of purposes.
They began by planting bamboo on degraded land, which not only helped to restore the soil and prevent erosion, but also provided a source of income and means for rural sustainable develompent.
As Wübu's bamboo plantations grew, the company started to explore new ways to transform the raw material into value-added products. They established a small bamboo transformation facility that allowed them to build houses and furniture, as well as to sell bamboo cured poles.
Throughout its history, Wübu has remained committed to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The company's bamboo plantations serve as carbon sinks, offsetting emissions from other sources, and its products are designed to minimize their impact on the environment.
Today, Wübu is a leading player in the re bamboo industry, with a reputation for quality, innovation, and sustainability. The company has expanded its operations to include eco-tourism, sustainable rural livelihoods, and other initiatives that promote sustainable development in the Izabal region and beyond.
Our latest partnerships include CASSA CLIMA, a reputable local company that is offering cabon offset certification and commerce, together we are offering the highest quality in carbon offsets and the most reliable and accountable certificates.
Processing Plant Manager
Luis Diego Ramírez
Luis Diego is a valuable member of the Wübu team and leads the Retalhuleu plant. He is an engineer who studied Mechanics and Management Engineering at San Carlos University in Guatemala.
He holds a Master's degree in Poultry Production and Management and has worked on various projects related to bamboo houses production, bamboo plants growing, and other subjects.
Luis Diego firmly believes that bamboo is a sustainable and viable project that can drive economic and social development in communities, and his passion for this vision is what fuels our team's enthusiasm
Chief Plantation Designer
Juan Andrés Martínez
Juan Andrés is an Agronomy Technician who has gained valuable experience and knowledge in the field of sustainable agriculture.
He graduated from ENCA, one of the top schools for agronomy, and is currently studying to become an Agronomic Engineer.
With a strong background in bamboo and soil regeneration science, Juan Andrés has been involved in various projects related to the industrialization of bamboo and participated in the first national bamboo congress in Guatemala.
He is also proficient in the use of Autocad and other design interfaces. Juan Andrés is a dedicated professional who is passionate about promoting sustainable rural development in his home country of Guatemala.
Technical Production Engineer
Mederico Pascual Rojas Rojas
Mederico is a valuable member of the Wübu team, bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in wood processing technology, architecture, and forestry research.
He holds a Master of Science in engineering from the Forest Technician Academy in Kirov, Russia, and a Master's degree in Architecture with a focus on Social Housing from the Instituto Superior Politecnico JAE in Havana, Cuba.
Mederico has taught at several universities in Cuba, conducted research in the forestry sector, and worked in the furniture industry.
He has published several papers on the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo and boards and has participated in numerous scientific and technical events.
His contributions to forestry research and innovation have earned him several awards. Mederico is passionate about bamboo and is dedicated to developing technical, productive, research, and teaching projects for Guatemala.
Chief Plantation Manager
Axel Bethancourt
Axel Bethancourt is a Zootechnical Agronomist Engineer with over 25 years of experience working with bamboo.
He has extensive knowledge and experience in reforestation with bamboo, appropriate use, plantation management, and building with bamboo.
Axel is highly regarded in Guatemala among landowners, with and without bamboo plantations, for his expertise in managing land, making plantations, and working with rural workers.
He has a deep understanding of sustainable practices and is skilled in negotiations, making him a valuable member of the Wübu team.
Sustainable Home Designer
Omar Marroquín
Omar Marroquín is an architect and member of the Guatemalan College of Architects, with over 35 years of professional experience.
He has served as President of the Housing Commission of the College of Architects twice, and as Chief of Construction at the University of San Carlos from 1991 to 1995.
Omar has also served as a planning advisor for the General Planning Coordinator from 2006 to 2018, and as an elected Director on the Board of Architecture Stamps from 2019 to 2022.
He is the creator of the Digital Architecture Stamp and a columnist for the digital magazine Publicogt, with more than 500 published articles on various topics.
Omar's book "Guatemala Datos Básicos" and his thesis on the impact of migration in the Mezquital are also noteworthy.
As Wübu's Chief Home Designer, Omar brings his extensive experience and expertise to the design and construction of our sustainable bamboo homes.
Chief Image Designer
Karen Monzón de Martínez
Karen Monzón de Martínez is a talented artist and specialist in design, with a wide range of expertise in various art techniques, from jewelry and macramé to bamboo and resin.
She has been a key collaborator with Wübu for over 15 years, using her creativity to help shape the project into what it is today.
Karen has presented her designs in many fashion shows, both locally and internationally, and has a keen eye for aesthetics.
She is currently assisting us in designing our brand image, and her unique artistic perspective adds value to everything she does.
Environmental Engineer
Laura Rivandeneira
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