IS PALO SANTO
ENDANGERED?
Not a Myth - a Misunderstanding
Peaceful Palo People
Thank you for your concern over the longevity and sustainability of our precious Palo Santo. Let’s alleviate any confusion or debate circulating around its status as an endangered species. First, I want to establish that THIRD EYE WOOD sells only B. graveolens that is certified to be sustainably harvested in cooperation with the Peruvian government.
From enhancing your mood, to repelling insects, to freshening the air, here are 8 wonderful benefits of Palo Santo!
From Peru, to you. See Third Eye Wood’s sustainability initiatives and how we take premium Peruvian Palo Santo and make it into the products you love.
A Tale of Two Species
Is palo santo endangered? The answer starts with what palo santo is. Palo santo, or “holy wood” in Spanish, is a name given to two different tree species in Central and South America.
- Bursera graveolens
- Bulnesia sarmientoi (endangered)
What is Bulnesia Sarmientoi?
Bulnesia sarmientoi is a wild, native tree growing predominately in the Gran Chaco region of South America, which encompasses Argentina, Boliva, and Paraguay. Prized for its strength, toughness and density, it became a valuable source of commercial timber and has been an important export crop to Europe since the 16th century.
The Cost of Deforestation
The trees, however, are relatively small and slow growing. Threats to the species’ survival include logging for timber; clearing of forests for annual and perennial non-timber crops; livestock farming and ranching, and other recognized challenges.
Due to the constant pressure on the species’ survival without adequate long-term plans in place to protect and revive the species, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species 2018, which factors global populations rather than regional populations of a species, now lists B. sarmientoi as an ENDANGERED species.
What is Bursera Graveolens?
Bursera Graveolens is NOT an endangered species according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Also native to the Gran Chaco region of South America, B. graveolens extends beyond that, well into Central America and Ecuador. Cerros de Amotape National Park is a protected area located in the regions of Piura and Tumbes in Northern Peru and is home to hundreds of thousands of hectares (1 hectare = 2.47 acres) of native trees, most of which are B. graveolens.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, B. graveolens is categorized as “vulnerable.” This category provides an assessment of the global population of the species and determines the extinction risk under current circumstances. This protected National Park is part of a growing effort on behalf of the Peruvian Department of Agriculture to further conserve and restore the fertile populations of the species.
Checklist: How to Enjoy Palo Santo Sustainably
Questions to Ask the Seller
- Which species of Palo Santo do you offer
- What is the country of origin?
- Do you have a copy of the legal paperwork required to export Palo Santo?
Together, we have the power to make a difference. By supporting businesses that uphold sustainability standards, we can protect this sacred Palo Santo species. When you encounter someone who hasn’t learned better, direct them to our site for more information. Encourage them to research and respond accordingly.
PEACE & PALO!
THIRD EYE WOOD
Commitment to Sustainability
THIRD EYE WOOD pledges to you, our customers, and to our great Pachamama, that we will only purchase Bursera graveolens from sources which are regulated to support and sustain the life of the individual trees as well as the species on the planet. The people of Peru— who are our partners— are working to regulate and protect Palo Santo from becoming endangered so it can support future generations of indigenous people.
Please help THIRD EYE WOOD continue to employ these small family cooperatives!
FEATURED PRODUCTS
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Palo Santo Sacred Wood Incense
Palo Santo Incense Sticks
$10.00 – $120.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Palo Santo Sacred Wood Incense
Palo Santo Incense Pyramids
$10.00 – $85.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Jewelry
Palo Santo Mala (w/ Tassel)
$68.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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