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Ecological and Economic Sustainability of Non-Timber Forest Products in Post-Conflict Recovery: A Case Study of the Frankincense ( Boswellia spp.) Resin Harvesting in Somaliland (Somalia)

Author

Listed:
  • Anjanette DeCarlo

    (The Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA)

  • Saleem Ali

    (Department of Geography and Spatial Science, University of Delaware, 125 Academy St., Newark, DE 19711, USA
    Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel, Global Environment Facility, United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi 00100, Kenya)

  • Marta Ceroni

    (Academy for Systems Change, 29 Evenchance Road, Enfield, NH 03748, USA)

Abstract

Non-timber forest products have often been held out as potential tools for conservation and sustainable development, but sustainability assessments are frequently difficult and time-consuming, especially in conflict areas. Thus, rapid assessments can be useful in providing a broad overview of the harvesting system in order to generate meaningful conservation or development recommendations. Here, we use rapid assessment methodology, including semi-structured interviews and direct observations, to examine the frankincense harvesting system in Somaliland in 2010 and again in 2016 and 2017. We identified significant levels of overharvesting, driven by a breakdown of the traditional management system. Demand for resin and resin prices increased dramatically from 2010 to 2017, at the same time as the tree populations were declining, resource tenure security was weakening, drug use was increasing, and the supply chain was becoming more complex. These factors combine to incentivize short-term unsustainable practices, and the lack of traceability and transparency prevents international buyers from meaningfully engaging with the system. However, new technologies and approaches being employed mean that buyers will soon be able to clearly direct their purchasing in order to incentivize sustainable practices and purchase resin in an ethical manner.

Suggested Citation

  • Anjanette DeCarlo & Saleem Ali & Marta Ceroni, 2020. "Ecological and Economic Sustainability of Non-Timber Forest Products in Post-Conflict Recovery: A Case Study of the Frankincense ( Boswellia spp.) Resin Harvesting in Somaliland (Somalia)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:9:p:3578-:d:351354
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brian Belcher & Kathrin Schreckenberg, 2007. "Commercialisation of Non-timber Forest Products: A Reality Check," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 25(3), pages 355-377, May.
    2. Hoff, Karla & Sen, Arijit, 2005. "The kin system as a poverty trap?," Policy Research Working Paper Series 3575, The World Bank.
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    Cited by:

    1. Guiyan Ao & Qianqian Xu & Qiang Liu & Lichun Xiong & Fengting Wang & Weiguang Wu, 2021. "The Influence of Nontimber Forest Products Development on the Economic–Ecological Coordination—Evidence from Lin’an District, Zhejiang Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-20, January.
    2. Yue Jiang & Yufang Wang & Rui Wang, 2022. "Coupling and Coordination Relationship between Economic and Ecologic-Environmental Developments in China’s Key State-Owned Forest Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-18, November.

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