Sustainable Production System
We are fully engaged in conserving and sustaining the wild forest after we have been introduced to a new management guide line “Sustainable Frankincense Production System” and the “Best Harvesting Practices”
By Anjanette DeCarlo, Ph.D.
Al madow environment
Almadow dense mountain forest sits at an altitude of between 700–800 m above sea level, and has a mean annual rainfall of 750–850 mm.
Florally, Almadow has approximately 1,000 plant species, 200 of which are endemic plant species and found on this mountain range. It houses a greater number of endemic plant species, most of these species are herbs not found anywhere else in the world.
For the last three decades Ecoterra Int´l of UK has maintained awareness and nature protection program in the core zone of the EA Juniper (Juniperus procera) mountain forest in Almadow. The program was established under the protection of the Sanaag Sultanate which encourages permaculture and the growing of drought-resistant rye by local farmers.
Almadow and Almiski Ecosystems
(Source: Save Frankincense Organization USA)
Almadow and Almiski are home to Boswellia carterii and Boswellia frereana, two species of trees
that produce frankincense resin, Communities here have been tapping these trees for thousands of
years, and today they supply some of the best quality resin and essential oil on the market. The
trade of frankincense resin is a key to the ecology of the region, and is an African cultural legacy.
However, the mountains today are under threat. Increasing international demand and a growing
population has put pressure on frankincense harvesters to cut trees at unsustainable levels.
Furthermore, the forests are under increasing stress as climate change alters the patterns of rainfall
and oceanic mists upon which the forests depend.
ALONGSIDE
Frankincense resin is still used as incense by worship houses worldwide, It is also turned into essential oil for use in cosmetics, perfumes, and aromatherapy.
Additionally, frankincense has a number of medical applications. Boswellic acid, a constituent of the resin, is used as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat arthritis. The essential oil has anti-aging properties and a number of studies have suggested that it may kill cancer cells.
Social and Economic Impact
Frankincense and myrrh are among the most valuable commercial forest products in the lands of Almadow and Almiski. These commodities are the two most exported items from our country, next to the livestock. Both products have traditionally been used for incense and perfumes throughout the world, and there is growing demand from medical research centres. However, we tend to harvest these products in a sustainable manner, and sell for higher end markets in USA, EU and Asia.
Nagoya protocol
We are firmly committed to the Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity.