Myrrh Tree in Ethiopia Faces Threat from Historic Drought, Impacting Global Perfume Industry
The myrrh tree, a critical source of resin used in luxury perfumes, is under threat due to a historic drought in the Somali region of Ethiopia. This drought has severely impacted the trees, which are also being damaged by livestock in search of food. Researchers, supported by the American Herbal Products Association, have visited the region to assess the situation. The traditional harvesting methods, which involve collecting resin from naturally occurring wounds on the trees, are being maintained to protect the trees. However, the drought has led to a decrease in resin production and a decline in the survival of young trees. The local communities, who rely on myrrh for their livelihoods, are facing economic challenges as the resin's market value is not reflected in the prices they receive. 
