Victor Brias was extremely instrumental in the early foundation of the World Bamboo Organization. As an employee of Oprins Plant, NV in Belgium, he was involved with the writing of feasibility studies for bamboo plantation projects (in both temperate and tropical climates)  for the company, as well as for development initiatives funded by UNIDO.

Somewhere around 2002-2003, Victor volunteered to help pen the early Articles of Incorporation for WBO after long discussions with me, and then WBO Secretary, Karina Quintans. Together we formed a Board of Directors which included the key inputs of I.V. Ramanuja Rao (who at that time was a project manager for INBAR), Victor of course, David Flanagan of Boston (Karina and me also of Boston), Carmelita Bersalona of the Philippines, Sam Zacca of Ghana, Shozo Shibata of Japan, and Jorge Campos of Chile.

In 2004 our team was key to the program success of the international conference in Delhi, hosted by the government of India and INBAR. The World Bamboo Organization achieved non-profit corporation status from the United States in 2005. Victor was a big part of all of this. He led the WBO Scientific Committee for the World Bamboo Congresses that followed, including Thailand in 2009, Belgium in 2012, and Korea in 2015.

His dedication and desire to “do things right” will never be forgotten. Victor had a very funny sense of humor, was truly a philosopher in heart and mind, and an aspiring musician. We shared a great deal in common re: musical tastes, conversation, and good drink.

His work lives on in the foundations he helped build, and his spirit endures in the values that continue to shape our global bamboo community.

On behalf of the World Bamboo Organization, we send our condolences to his family.

Sincerely,

     Susanne Lucas, Executive Director, WBO