Latest news with #Boswelliasacra
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
‘Frankincense priest' shares Oman's sacred scent
AmidST the frankincense hills and coastal breezes of Salalah, an Austrian Catholic priest has discovered more than just a destination — he has found a sacred Mario Brandstätter, parish priest from Hartberg in the Styrian region of Austria, calls Salalah his 'fragrance city', a place where the sacred scent of frankincense has shaped both his spirit and scholarship.'It was like meeting an old friend', says Fr Mario, recalling the first time he touched the resin from the Boswellia sacra trees in Salalah during his visit in February 2024. 'After decades of working with incense in Europe, finally being able to smell, touch and taste the raw resin in its homeland was a heavenly experience'.So deep is his passion for frankincense that fellow clergy in Austria affectionately call him 'the incense freak'. But for Fr Mario, this isn't just a hobby — it's a lifelong calling rooted in faith, culture and his maiden trip to Oman, Fr Mario was overwhelmed by the dramatic contrast of Dhofar's landscapes — the endless desert sands, the tranquil sea and the lush hills scented with ancient resin. Fr Mario Brandstätter visits Salalah souq for frankincense 'The perfume puff from Omani dishdashas intrigued me instantly', he said. 'Then the incense souk hit me like an olfactory explosion'.His travels included sacred spots such as the tombs of Prophet Job or Prophet Saleh, but it was the warmth of Omani hospitality that etched itself deepest in memory. 'I felt safer in Salalah than in many parts of Europe', he Mario is no stranger to spreading the scent of Oman far beyond its shores. Back in Austria, he runs a museum in his rectory called 'The World of Scents', offering lectures, tastings and incense-burning workshops.'As a trained merchant and priest, I advise monasteries and parishes on incense use', he said. 'There is a spiritual and emotional response in people when they inhale high-quality frankincense. It crosses all boundaries — cultural, religious and even scientific'.He also held a talk titled 'The Frankincense Priest in the Land of Frankincense' to inspire Austrians to join his return trip to Salalah in February 2026, a journey already fully booked in partnership with Gruber Reisen, an Austrian travel agency and tour operator; and 'Your Salalah Tour'. Fr Mario Brandstätter at Wadi Dawkah heritage site 'Our tours cross borders and connect cultures — and the common thread is frankincense', said Uta Ohme, his German collaborator and Rashid from Your Salalah Tour. 'Fr Mario brings deep knowledge and immense passion for the incense traditions and we deeply value his bridge-building efforts between Europe and Oman'.In a world often divided, Fr Mario sees incense as a bridge — not just between continents, but between people. 'This 4,000-year-old Egyptian saying I came across in Salalah sums it up: 'No day is beautiful without a pleasant fragrance'', he advising churches on the right incense to helping individuals craft rituals for special moments, his work goes beyond religion — it's about wellness, culture and connection.'The wisdom of burning frankincense for body, mind and soul is being rediscovered even by modern medicine', he explains. 'What was once misunderstood is now being revered again — and Oman sits at the heart of that rebirth'. Inspired by the sacred scent trails of Salalah, Fr Mario Brandstätter established the 'World of Scents' museum within his Austrian parish — a heartfelt tribute to Oman's rich frankincense heritage. Deeply moved by the essence of Dhofar, he transformed his lifelong passion into a curated space that brings the soul of Salalah to Europe The perfume puff from Omani dishdashas intrigued me instantly and the the incense souk hit me like an olfactory explosion Fr Mario Brandstätter Parish priest from Austria
Observer
14-07-2025
- Observer
GREEN SPACES AT RISK FROM OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Some phenomena continue to spoil the experience of enjoying the natural beauty of Dhofar Governorate throughout the year, particularly during the khareef season. One of the most damaging is the random passage of vehicles across green plains and mountain slopes. Protecting nature - especially vegetation - has become an urgent priority that requires collective effort. The benefits of preserving these green landscapes are universal, especially during khareef, when Dhofar transforms into one of the most verdant and captivating regions in the Arabian Peninsula. Adorned with a lush green blanket, the governorate draws thousands of visitors from within Oman and abroad. Dhofar Governorate alone is home to 900 species, representing 64 per cent of Oman's total flora. These plants flourish in areas blessed by seasonal rains, making the governorate especially attractive during khareef season. In response, the Dhofar Municipality has launched a project to protect these vital green spaces from uncontrolled vehicle traffic. This initiative underscores the Municipality's commitment to preserving one of the governorate's most important natural assets - its vegetation cover that spans mountains, plains and popular tourist spots. However, increased tourism and the widespread use of private vehicles in natural areas have given rise to serious threats. Irregular vehicle movements crush plants, damage root systems and disturb the soil structure, reducing its capacity to retain water and air-essential elements for plant growth. Over time, this leads to gradual vegetation loss, eventually transforming once-green areas into barren lands. The Nature Conservation Society, operating under the Environment Authority, has stepped up efforts to address this issue through an 'Awareness Initiative.' Key elements of this initiative include: Cooperation with authorities such as the Environment Authority, Dhofar Municipality, and Royal Oman Police to close dirt roads before khareef season begins. Educational outreach to residents and visitors on the importance of protecting green spaces. This involves distributing brochures, conducting biodiversity lectures and sharing multilingual awareness messages on social media. Combating invasive species like Parthenium hysterophorus and mesquite trees (Prosopis juliflora), which threaten native vegetation and biodiversity. Pest control efforts targeting harmful insects such as stem borers and termites that damage trees including baobab, wild figs (Ficus sycomorus), wild olives (Olea europaea) and frankincense (Boswellia sacra). Pruning and maintenance of perennial trees in cooperation with relevant agencies. The Society has also praised efforts to prohibit vehicle entry into green spaces and establish designated parking areas along roadsides. Vegetation is the backbone of ecological systems, stabilising soil against erosion, enriching it, purifying the air, absorbing carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen. It also plays a key role in moderating temperatures, promoting rainfall through transpiration and shielding the Earth's surface from excessive heat. Despite active measures by the Municipality, Environment Authority, police and conservation groups, the phenomenon of vehicle-induced damage persists - sometimes due to ignorance, lack of enforcement, or deliberate violations. As khareef season returns, community involvement is crucial. Highlighting these issues is not meant to generalise or blame all visitors, but to encourage a deeper sense of responsibility and shared stewardship for Dhofar's green treasures.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
Study affirms resilience of Oman's frankincense trees
MUSCAT: A landmark scientific study has confirmed that Oman's frankincense trees — renowned for producing an aromatic resin deeply woven into the nation's historical and cultural legacy — do not face widespread decline in the southern reaches of the Sultanate of Oman, despite facing a variety of environmental and human-induced threats. This encouraging discovery stems from the first-ever comprehensive conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra, the botanical name for these iconic trees, in their native mountainous habitats of Dhofar Governorate. The research initiative was led by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), in collaboration with the Environment Authority, Wageningen University & Research, FairSource Botanicals and Mendel University in Brno. The project received initial funding support from the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Oman. In a statement, Dr Amor al Matani, President of ESO's Board of Directors, hailed the successful completion of the study as a pivotal step forward. 'ESO's role in driving this landmark study is a testament to its long-standing commitment to safeguarding Oman's frankincense heritage, given the priceless cultural and ecological value associated with this aromatic resin. Our sincere thanks to the Environment Authority and all the international partners who helped bring this initiative to life.' Ali bin Salem Bait Said, Director of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment, at Environment Authority office in Dhofar, said: 'This study has brought together local and international institutions in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to deliver science-based insights into the health of our frankincense populations." These findings are an important step forward to protect frankincense trees not only as a cultural and spiritual symbol of Oman's ancient incense trade, but also as the cornerstone of a thriving domestic industry centred around incense and related products. Of the roughly 24 species in the Boswellia genus worldwide, Boswellia sacra Flück. — a deciduous tree of modest stature — is native to southern Arabia (Oman and Yemen) and Somalia. In Oman, the species is found across Dhofar growing from sea level to elevations as high as 1,774 metres in the mountain ranges. However, the trees are not immune to threats. Overgrazing, particularly by camels, poses one of the most serious risks to sapling survival. Additional challenges include insect infestations, pest attacks, unsustainable resin harvesting, nearby mining activities, and increasingly erratic weather events — all of which can impact tree vitality and regeneration. While the study dispels fears of an imminent population collapse, the researchers caution against complacency. The threats facing Boswellia sacra are complex, varying by location and season, and influenced by ecological, social, and political dynamics. To be effective, conservation strategies must therefore address the full socio-ecological context, the paper emphasises.
Muscat Daily
04-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Omani Frankincense trees defy extinction fears
Salalah – A pioneering scientific study has confirmed that Oman's iconic frankincense trees (Boswellia sacra) are not facing widespread decline in the Dhofar Governorate, despite ongoing environmental and human-induced threats. The comprehensive conservation assessment — the first of its kind conducted in the Sultanate — was led by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) in collaboration with the Environment Authority, Wageningen University & Research, FairSource Botanicals, and Mendel University in Brno. The project was initially supported by the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Oman. Initiated in 2022, the study examined population dynamics, ecological pressures, and natural regeneration trends of Boswellia sacra across its known range in Dhofar. Published findings reveal that while the trees exhibit variable population structures and regeneration rates, there is no indication of a broad-scale population collapse. These findings represent a significant step forward in efforts to conserve the frankincense tree, a species integral to Oman's cultural heritage and a key pillar of its traditional industries centred on incense and resin-based products. Native to southern Arabia and parts of East Africa, Boswellia sacra Flück. grows across diverse elevations in Dhofar, from sea level to 1,774 metres in the mountain ranges. Of the approximately 24 known species in the Boswellia genus, this particular species is most closely associated with Oman's ancient incense trade. Despite the overall positive outlook, the study acknowledges several ongoing threats to the species. Overgrazing, especially by camels, poses a significant risk to young saplings. Other pressures include pest infestations, unsustainable resin extraction, nearby mining activity, and the increasing unpredictability of climate patterns. While the absence of large-scale decline is encouraging, the researchers stress the importance of continued vigilance. The threats faced by Boswellia sacra are complex, site-specific, and shaped by a range of ecological, social, and political factors. Effective conservation strategies must therefore adopt a holistic, context-sensitive approach. Dr Amor al Matani, President of ESO's Board of Directors, described the study's completion as a milestone for conservation in Oman. 'ESO's leadership in this research underscores our ongoing commitment to protecting the frankincense tree, which holds profound cultural and ecological value for the Sultanate,' she stated, while extending thanks to the Environment Authority and international partners. Ali Bin Salem Bait Said, Director of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment at the Environment Authority in Dhofar, added: 'This collaboration marks an important advance in our understanding of Boswellia sacra. The study demonstrates that generalisations about frankincense tree decline must be approached with caution, as threats and conservation contexts differ significantly by region and species.' The study, titled Rapid conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra in Oman reveals complex threat and population patterns, is available on ScienceDirect. Further research is ongoing, with ESO and its partners committed to supporting informed and sustainable conservation of this culturally significant species.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Oman's frankincense trees resilient despite challenges: Study
Muscat: A scientific study has confirmed that Oman's frankincense trees do not face widespread decline in the southern reaches of the Sultanate, despite facing a variety of environmental and human-induced threats. This encouraging discovery stems from the first-ever comprehensive conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra , the botanical name for these iconic trees, in their native mountainous habitats of Dhofar Governorate. The research initiative was led by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), in collaboration with the Environment Authority, Wageningen University & Research, FairSource Botanicals, and Mendel University in Brno. The project received initial funding support from the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Oman. Launched in 2022, the study examined the population dynamics, ecological pressures, and natural regeneration patterns of Boswellia sacra across its known distribution in Dhofar. A scientific paper published earlier this year reported that while the trees show diverse population structures and regeneration rates, there is no evidence of a widespread population decline. These findings are an important step forward to protect frankincense trees not only as a cultural and spiritual symbol of Oman's ancient incense trade, but also as the cornerstone of a thriving domestic industry centered around incense and related products. Of the roughly 24 species in the Boswellia genus worldwide, Boswellia sacra Flück. — A deciduous tree of modest stature — is native to southern Arabia (Oman and Yemen) and Somalia. In Oman, the species is found across Dhofar, growing from sea level to elevations as high as 1,774 meters in the mountain ranges. However, the trees are not immune to threats. Overgrazing, particularly by camels, poses one of the most serious risks to sapling survival. Additional challenges include insect infestations, pest attacks, unsustainable resin harvesting, nearby mining activities, and increasingly erratic weather events — all of which can impact tree vitality and regeneration. While the study dispels fears of an imminent population collapse, the researchers caution against complacency. The threats facing Boswellia sacra are complex, varying by location and season, and influenced by ecological, social, and political dynamics. To be effective, conservation strategies must therefore address the full socio-ecological context, the paper emphasizes. In a statement, The Honorable Dr. Amor Al Matani, President of ESO's Board of Directors, hailed the successful completion of the study as a pivotal step forward. 'ESO's role in driving this landmark study is a testament to its long-standing commitment to safeguarding Oman's frankincense heritage, given the priceless cultural and ecological value associated with this aromatic resin. Our sincere thanks to the Environment Authority and all the international partners who helped bring this initiative to life.' Mr. Ali Bin Salem Bait Said, Director of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment, at the Environment Authority office in Dhofar, added: 'This study has brought together local and international institutions in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to deliver science-based insights into the health of our frankincense populations. By challenging widely held assumptions about the species' decline, the study shows that international conservation concerns should recognize differences between frankincense species and between their countries of origin, and the measures taken by each country.'
