(Image Source: BBC)

BY LAISHI ZHOU

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

One Christmas staple may be a thing of the past. Frankincense. Central to the nativity story as one of the gifts of the Three Wise Men--the aromatic resin comes from trees that are now in danger of disappearing. Here’s the BBC.

“Ecologists from the Netherlands say the tree numbers could decline by 90 percent over the next 50 years. Because there are very few new trees replacing the old ones that are dying. …”
"Researcher: “The big problem is there is also no regeneration, so there are no new small plants that are coming into the system. Probably, because there’s too much fire. Recently, there are also too many animals.”

And while Frankincense might seem like a product of yore, the current demand for it is considerable, according to The Vancouver Sun...

“The Network for Natural Gums and Resins in Africa (NGARA) estimates global demand for frankincense and myrrh at about 2,500 tonnes per year. China and Europe are the largest markets for both products, while the Middle East, the United States and North Africa import significant amounts.”

With demand remaining high and supply falling low, prices of all of the Three Wise Men’s famed gifts are rising. The Independent reports:

“Solid frankincense resin can be sold at up to £37.33 per kilo, according to the International Centre for Research in Dry Areas. Myrrh is roughly twice as expensive, but prices are volatile – something that can also be said for the Wise Men's third gift. Four days before Christmas, an ounce of gold costs £1,029.20 on the international market – up by nearly 20 per cent this year.”

Finally, without the Wise Men around, Xinhua Net turned to an ecologist who offers a solution to save the trees that produce Frankincense.

“To ensure Boswellia trees’ future and fragrance production, [he] proposed that areas grown with the species should be left alone for up to a decade and tapping be stopped after five years’ production.”