This World Environment Day, HALO is proud to spotlight our innovative frankincense project in Somalia, an initiative that aligns with our broader goals of environmental sustainability and community resilience. This project, in collaboration with the Center for Middle Eastern Plants (CMEP) at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), underscores a commitment to preserving natural resources and supporting local livelihoods in conflict-affected regions.
Frankincense: A Historical Treasure and Economic Lifeline
Frankincense, the resin exuded by the trunk of Boswellia trees, has been traded across the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa for over 5,000 years. Today, it remains a critical export for Somalia, representing the third-largest source of income after livestock and agriculture. Traditionally harvested in the mountainous regions of Somaliland and Puntland, but also further south on the Somalia-Ethiopian border, frankincense is not only vital for local economies but also holds immense cultural and religious significance across the Horn of Africa region.
Challenges to the Frankincense Industry
Despite its historical and economic importance, the frankincense industry faces significant challenges in Somalia. The absence of regulatory oversight, exploitation by middlemen and international companies, and the impacts of climate change all present sizable threats to Boswellia species. Low prices paid to harvesting communities also often result in the over-tapping of trees, placing their long-term health, and the community livelihoods that depend upon them, at risk.
HALO’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
In response to these challenges, HALO, in partnership with RBGE-CMEP and its national partners, has initiated several key activities:
Conservation Research
In 2023, the partnership conducted rapid surveys in the Bakool and Bari regions to assess the distribution and health of frankincense tree populations. The data produced, along with analysis of collected plant and resin samples, has provided greater understanding of the dissemination of these important species and how they may be conserved to the benefit of local biodiversity.
Community Livelihoods
The project focuses on aiding resin harvesting communities affected by conflict where already limited livelihoods opportunities have often been disrupted by instability. In its next phase, this initiative will support local people to develop sustainable management practices for wild tree populations, whilst also assisting them with the establishment of licensed community cooperatives that empower local harvesters.
Sustainable Value Chains
Through utilization of cooperative structures, the project will look to facilitate fairtrade certification of produced resins and the establishment of trade relationships with commercial enterprises committed to ethical principles. This improved market access will provide reliable and decent pricing for resins produced by harvesting communities.
These efforts are made possible by funding from an anonymous family foundation in the US.
HALO’s frankincense project exemplifies the importance of community empowerment through environmental preservation. This World Environment Day, we celebrate the progress made and a commitment to seeking to safeguarding natural resources for future generations. Through innovative partnerships and community-focused initiatives, we can continue to build a sustainable and resilient future for the people of Somalia.
