Bark To The Roots Initiative (B2TR)
Bark to the Roots (B2TR) is an initiative to promote the use of barkcloth globally in the modern world. Check out our dedicated website.
Anchored in ethos of the sustainable development goals, reminding us to preserve both our heritage and the environment. It endeavors to bring together people who are working with barkcloth in different and innovative ways, including those who harvest it and those who are using it. B2TR aims at saving the barkcloth heritage that is recognised by UNESCO.
The 3rd annual Bark to the Roots (B2TR) event titled Past, Present and Future, was the beginning of the campaign to plant one million mutuba trees from which barkcloth is made. The event that was held at the Uganda Museum was hosted by London-based designer José Hendo who extensively uses the cloth in her creations, and Bukomansimbi Organic Tree Farmers Association (BOTFA) who are growing the trees and getting the younger generation into the ancient practice of processing mutuba tree bark to create the cloth. They are working with the community to pass on the techniques to the younger generation so that the practice does not become obsolete.
The event was attended by ambassadors and other government representatives, a representative from UNESCO, Dr Vinny Nakabugo from Makerere University, Fred Kato Mutebi, Sana and Sarah Nakisanze. There was a live demonstration of barkcloth processing from the BOTFA community and an exhibition of items made from barkcloth, including fashion garments and accessories. Designer José Hendo revealed a garment that she created from barkcloth that had been harvested the previous year from a tree that the designer adopted.
The event was attended by ambassadors and other government representatives, a representative from UNESCO, Dr Vinny Nakabugo from Makerere University, Fred Kato Mutebi, Sana and Sarah Nakisanze. There was a live demonstration of barkcloth processing from the BOTFA community and an exhibition of items made from barkcloth, including fashion garments and accessories. Designer José Hendo revealed a garment that she created from barkcloth that had been harvested the previous year from a tree that the designer adopted.
We hope that the B2TR initiative will continue as an annual event with full participation of local stakeholders.

About
‘José Hendo’ takes a fresh approach to contemporary fashion design, challenging the obsolescence nature of fashion, and the throw away culture. The label is passionately conscious of the times and is inspired by the world around us. It uses eco-friendly fabrics as much as possible, creating unique one-off pieces…

Contact
José Original Ltd
Unit 4-5 Chapel Place
London
N17 8DR
London Head Office
+44 7967 585 412
info@josehendo.com
Press Enquiries
press@josehendo.com