The objective of joint collaborative project with International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and Centre for Indian Bamboo Resource and Technology (CIBART) is to start educational and training programmes on bamboo and rattan (cane) for youth, unskilled or semi-skilled workers and those who are already working in different projects and organisations in India and abroad, both directly and through Universities abroad.

The distance education and training programmes in the bamboo and rattan sectors will be developed and implemented jointly by INBAR, CIBART, COL and IGNOU, with the expertise of INBAR and CIBART in bamboo and rattan and expertise of COL and IGNOU in open and distance learning and information, communication and technology (ICT).  Two awareness, and two certificate programmes are under development