Research & Insights
Our approach to research
We collaborate with leading universities, companies, and NGOs to conduct a robust research program aimed at understanding the chemistry and ecology of the trees and how we can ensure conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.
FairSource Botanicals exists as a commercial entity to bridge the gap between the scientific and business worlds: by working first with leading research institutions to understand the plants and their socio-ecological production systems, and then by working with commercial partners to implement solutions for fair, responsible, and regenerative sourcing.
With our collaborators, we have published explorations of the chemical ecology and chemical diversity of frankincense in different species, conservation assessments, policy commentaries, sustainability reviews, and even a description of a new species.
Our work includes
Our published research has included analyses of frankincense resins including Boswellia sacra in Oman, B. rivae and B. ogadensis in Ethiopia, B. papyrifera in Sudan, B. frereana, B. sacra syn. carteri, and B. occulta in Somaliland and Somalia, and B. dalzielii in Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
We conducted conservation assessments on Boswellia sacra in Oman and on B. ogadensis in Ethiopia, and contributed policy commentaries on the possible unintended negative consequences of a CITES listing of Boswellia. We have also contributed various reviews covering the current status of B. dalzielii, the role of conflict in the conservation of frankincense, and the way that traditional knowledge develops around frankincense.
One exciting outcome of our fieldwork has been the discovery of a new species, which we named Boswellia occulta (after the Latin word meaning, "hidden"). Previously undescribed, this species grows in a small area in Somaliland and produces a totally unique methoxyalkane-dominant essential oil. Aside from the exciting addition to the world of essential oils, the realization that this was a new and very different species from other types of Boswellia helped highlight the vulnerability of standard certifications, as B. occulta was being sold in certified organic B. sacra syn. carteri essential oils, suggesting that neither the certifier nor the supplier had clear visibility on the trees being harvested.
Our research is ongoing, and we will continue to provide updates on new discoveries as they come!
Our Publications
Partner with us on botanical research
We are always interested in connecting with other researchers, discussing ideas, and collaborating on projects. Whether it’s pure or applied research, we work with a range of university, governmental, NGO, multilateral, and private sector partners to advance understanding of plant chemistry and sustainable plant use.
