Episode 4 : Preserving Incense’s Fragrant Legacy : A Journey into Plant Sustainability with Kelly Ablard

Jun 29

In this episode, Alyssa introduces Kelly Ablard, founder of Airmid Institute, and expert in aromatic plant sustainability. They discuss the lack of transparency in the incense industry regarding the sourcing of ingredients and the importance of demanding transparency from manufacturers.

Kelly shares her experiences in Peru, where she worked with indigenous communities and went on an expedition to find wild populations of Rosewood, an endangered plant used for its aromatic properties. They discuss the significance of Rosewood and its role in perfumery, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. Kelly explains the challenges of sustainable sourcing and the issue of adulteration in the trade of Rosewood oil. They also touch upon the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) and its role in regulating the trade of endangered flora and fauna.

About Kelly Ablard:

Kelly Ablard holds a Doctorate in Biology, an MSc in Conservation, and is a certified Conservation Aromatherapist. As Founder and CEO of the California-based NGO Airmid Institute, she is dedicated to the global education, research, and sustainability of medicinal and non-medicinal aromatic plants, and their traditional uses in Indigenous communities. Kelly’s work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and she has presented for multiple international professional aromatherapy associations. She received the BCAOA Achievement of Excellence Award and was highlighted as an outstanding alumna by Simon Fraser University as CEO of Airmid Institute.

Kelly is also Co-owner and Co-principal of Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies, which is internationally recognized for their high-quality online aromatherapy certification diploma programs.

Check Out Episode Highlights:

Lack of transparency in the incense industry regarding ingredient sourcing
Kelly's background in biology, conservation, and aromatherapy
Research on the conservation status of essential oil-bearing plants
Experiences in Peru and the search for wild populations of Rosewood
Significance of Rosewood and its uses in various industries
Challenges of sustainable sourcing and the issue of adulteration
Introduction to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES)
Importance of considering both plant and human populations in sustainability efforts
Supporting impoverished indigenous communities through sustainable sourcing
The importance of supporting ethical sourcing and transparent supply chains for threatened plants like frankincense.
Alyssa raises concerns about the resource-intensive process of extracting essential oils and the need for responsible usage to avoid excessive accumulation.
The state of agarwood, one of the most expensive and threatened products in the world, highlighting the challenges in its production and the impact of human intervention.
The discussion emphasizes the need for conscious buying decisions, using oils sparingly, and considering alternative plant species for therapeutic benefits.
The critical status of agarwood species