Drought Threatens Myrrh Trees in Ethiopia, Endangering Luxury Perfume Supply and Local Livelihoods
Myrrh trees in the Somali region of Ethiopia, a critical source of resin for high-end luxury perfumes and traditional practices, face severe threats from a historic drought. The lack of water, combined with damage from starving livestock, is endangering these forests, which were once dense but are now dwindling. Researchers supported by the American Herbal Products Association recently visited the area to assess the situation and explore ways to ensure local harvesters receive fairer compensation. Currently, collectors earn between $3.50 and $10 per kilogram of resin, while the final perfume products sell for up to $500 per bottle. This disparity highlights an opaque supply chain where middlemen capture most profits. Beyond its economic value to vulnerable communities, myrrh holds cultural significance in religious and health contexts. The crisis underscores the intersection of climate change impacts, global luxury markets, and rural poverty. As global interest in natural remedies grows, the sustainability of myrrh harvesting becomes increasingly urgent. The article illustrates the stark contrast between the arid conditions facing Ethiopian farmers and the lucrative international beauty industry that depends on their labor and natural resources.
Wire timeline
Drought Threatens Myrrh Trees in Ethiopia, Endangering Luxury Perfume Supply and Local Livelihoods
Myrrh trees in the Somali region of Ethiopia, a critical source of resin for high-end luxury perfumes and traditional practices, face severe threats from a historic drought. The lack of water, combined with damage from starving livestock, is endangering these forests, which were once dense but are now dwindling. Researchers supported by the American Herbal Products Association recently visited the area to assess the situation and explore ways to ensure local harvesters receive fairer compensation. Currently, collectors earn between $3.50 and $10 per kilogram of resin, while the final perfume products sell for up to $500 per bottle. This disparity highlights an opaque supply chain where middlemen capture most profits. Beyond its economic value to vulnerable communities, myrrh holds cultural significance in religious and health contexts. The crisis underscores the intersection of climate change impacts, global luxury markets, and rural poverty. As global interest in natural remedies grows, the sustainability of myrrh harvesting becomes increasingly urgent. The article illustrates the stark contrast between the arid conditions facing Ethiopian farmers and the lucrative international beauty industry that depends on their labor and natural resources.
AP News