KEFRI Knowledge Base

About Kenya Burseraceae Research Forum

The purpose of this forum is to gather and publish information from all stakeholders on Boswellia and Commiphora Species found in Kenya. In particular the current focus is on information sought by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) by the end of 2021, which includes:

1. Biological data on Boswellia species, including population size, distribution, status and population trends, identification information, and its role in the ecosystem in which it occurs;
2. Available information about harvest and exploitation levels, trade names, stakeholders close to the harvest of the species and supply chain characteristics for domestic consumption and international trade;
3. Information on threats to these species, especially as it pertains to the underlying causes of poor regeneration capability and the impact of harvest on these species;
4. Information on any initiatives to artificially propagate these species or produce plantations of them;
5. Existing regulations and ownership structures pertaining to the species, their habitat, drivers of habitat trends and management measures in place or under development, including sustainable harvest practices; and
6. Suggestions for meetings or other venues that might provide opportunities to collaborate or share information regarding harvest and management of these species.

The forum is hosted by KEFRI who is partnering with other national and international organisations on this initiative including; National Museums of Kenya (NMK), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) CITES office. Other actively contributing stakeholders sharing information include; Pipal Ltd and Arbor Oils

Because current data is lacking, we currently need quantitative, qualitative, observational and anecdotal evidence to build up the overall picture and to prioritise focused research areas.

Boswellia

1. Botany, identification, and current status and range of the trees
2. Communities, regeneration and forest management,
3. Biochemistry and medicinal applications
4. Supply chains, products, regulations and trade

Commiphora

1. Botany, identification, and current status and range of the trees
2. Communities, regeneration and forest management,
3. Biochemistry and medicinal applications
4. Supply chains, products, regulations and trade

For more information ContactKBRF