Ancient Frankincense forests in Somalia - and the communities who depend on them for survival - face threats from overexploitation and unfair trade. Sustainable harvesting and restoration plans are crucial for the forests' survival and to provide stable livelihoods for local communities in the arid hills of Puntland and the South-West. Communities have identified what they need most to build a resilient and ethical frankincense economy, but the next steps are only possible with your support.
For generations, Somali families have tapped the Boswellia trees for precious resin, but today the people who care for these trees are struggling to survive. Drought, deep poverty, and years of unfair trade have left harvesting families without the means to meet even their most basic needs, with profits flowing mostly to middlemen. Women, in particular, play vital but invisible roles - sorting, drying, and cleaning the resin without contracts, fair wages, or safe facilities.
Your support can: * Provide water systems like boreholes and rainwater harvesting to sustain trees and families during drought * Equip women with tools and training for safe resin processing, ensuring a fair wage * Help communities gain fair trade certification and connect with ethical buyers committed to sustainability * Fund seedlings and materials to establish more tree nurseries * Develop alternative livelihoods like beekeeping and kitchen gardens to reduce reliance on resin sales
Access to water and better resources will transform daily life for people living in the arid hills of Puntland and South-West Somalia, and the community can continue harvesting frankincense sustainably, supplementing their income with alternative livelihoods. Your support will contribute to a productive community with long-term opportunities - a future of fairness where the who care for these sacred trees can thrive - not just survive.
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