Myrrh Trees in Ethiopia Threatened by Historic Drought, Impacting Perfume Industry
In Ethiopia, the myrrh tree, a critical component in luxury perfumes, is facing severe threats due to a historic drought. The trees, located in the Somali region, are suffering from a lack of water and are being damaged by starving livestock. Researchers from the American Herbal Products Association have visited the area to assess the situation and ensure that local harvesters receive fair profits from the resin. Myrrh, traditionally harvested from naturally occurring wounds on trees, is a significant source of income for local communities. However, the drought has led to reduced resin production and fewer young trees surviving. The resin is sold at low prices to traders, while the perfumes made from it are marketed by high-end brands at much higher prices. 
