Ecological Concern on Epiphany

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh - the gifts of the Magi to the Christ Child.

After this interview [with King Herod] the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child way. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

~ Matthew 2:9-11

Sunday, celebrates Epiphany (January 6th happens to fall on a Sunday this year). We celebrate this time of gift giving, a time of rejoicing that this Child is God's gift to all of us - as seen in the Magi coming from afar.
Yet a recent National Geographic Magazine article (June 2012) points out:

"Incense in Peril," by Luna Shyr

With its spicy aroma and biblical presence alongside myrrh and gold, frankincense evokes the ancient and the exotic. Long procured for use in fragrances, rituals, and medical remedies, the tree resin now faces hazards that threaten to halve yields in the next 15 years, say Ethiopian and Dutch researchers.

Boswellia papyrifera in Ethiopia

     Their study, involving wild Boswellia papyrifera trees in Ethiopia, found high mortality in adult plants and few new ones replacing them. Beetle infestations, fire, and animal grazing all contribute to the problem. Tapping the trees itself wasn't key to the population issue but likely reduces tree health, no co-author Frans Bongers of Wageningren University. Still, he says, tapping selectively and protecting areas for young trees would help preserve this gift of wise men (23).

In what ways are you helping to preserve this gift of God to us (this marvelous world) during this season of gift giving? How do we find ways in which to wisely use the earth's resources for health, beauty, and enjoyment?

Blessed Be

Joel

For more information, you can a BBC News Article or even the abstract from the Journal of Applied Ecology, which will lead you to the full article (in html or pdf).