Frankincense in Peril- Analysis of Resin Economy in Somaliland @ Hargeysa Cultural Centre

Resdsea Cultural Foundation is pleased to invite you to a public talk at Hargeysa Cultural Centre by Dr. Anjanette DeCarlo. The title of her talk is “FRANKINCENSE IN PERIL – Analysis of Resin Economy in Somaliland”. The event will take place Wednesday, 19th October, 2016. 19.30-21.30.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii, B. frereana) resin harvesting has a deep historical and cultural heritage in Somaliland, providing economic benefits for centuries. Today the resins are highly relevant in the global economy, with applications in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and emerging medical and therapeutic applications. Thus, the frankincense forests are key cultural and economic elements in Somaliland. However, our recent research is indicating that the demand for frankincense resin internationally is outpacing the supply. Six years ago there was a small market for these Somali resins now there is a booming market and a rise in the selling price. Harvesters are drastically over harvesting trees in an effort to gain economically and meet exporters demand, causing the trees to die rapidly. This situation overall indicates the beginning of a serious and highly damaging resource conflict, and the impending collapse of the frankincense forests.

Dr. Anjanette DeCarlo, Ph.D., is currently a Visiting Professor of Environmental Studies at St. Michael’s College. Previously she was a Senior Jeffords Fellow at the Institute for Environmental Diplomacy & Security at the University of Vermont (UVM). Her Ph.D. in natural resources from UVM focused on environment, women’s empowerment, and conflict resolution as a merged agenda for sustainable development. She is currently working on reconciliation in post-war countries as well as the power of trade and commerce to create peace in conflict zones. As a development consultant with 20 years field experience, she specializes in Africa, Latin America, and the United States.

Dr. DeCarlo will be joined by Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Awale, currently chair of Candlelight Organization, which is a prominent environmental organization in Somaliland, as well as the chair and founding member of Somaliland Biodiversity Foundation, and a faculty member at the University of Hargeysa where he teaches environmental science