Climate change threatens Chios mastic, the unique product that has made Chios famous worldwide. It is our duty to protect this gift of nature, which is inextricably linked to the prosperity and quality of life on the island.
Mastic: The Unique Product of Southern Chios
Chios is one of the Greek islands in the Eastern Aegean, at the crossroads of East and West, known worldwide for its mastic. Mastic is a natural aromatic resin produced from the trunk of the mastic tree (Pistacia Lentiscus var. Chia) after shallow cuts are made on the tree’s surface using sharp tools, called “kentitiria”.1 The mastic then exudes as tears with a distinctive fragrance, which either stays on the trunk or drips to the ground covered with white dust to maintain its transparency and purity.
It is remarkable that although mastic trees grow in all Mediterranean countries, the production of mastic thrives exclusively in 24 villages of Southern Chios, the Mastichochoria (Mastic Villages), thanks to the synergy between the region’s unique microclimate and soil composition.
According to tradition, the production of mastic is considered a divine gift and is connected with the martyrdom of Saint Isidore of Chios, who was tortured by the Romans in Southern Chios because of his Christian faith, under mastic trees. The trees, shaken by his martyrdom, wept the fragrant tears of mastic… However, references to its cultivation appear as early as the 5th century BCE, and its value was recognized throughout the years and utilized by the island’s conquerors as a precious tradeable product.2
In modern times, laboratory research from universities and research centers in Greece and abroad documents the beneficial properties of mastic. Their findings confirm the historically recorded unique therapeutic qualities of mastic, as well as Hippocrates’ statement: “Mastic helps in countless diseases”.3
The Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association, as the sole distributor of mastic, promotes and markets the product internationally. Operating in a model manner, it is considered one of the most successful agricultural cooperatives in Greece. The exploitation of mastic as a unique product worldwide brings significant economic benefits to mastic producers.4 Consequently, the existing mastic trees are cultivated in full, and new ones are constantly being planted, contributing to the environmental enhancement of the area and offering incentives for decentralization and addressing the demographic problem in rural Southern Chios. The cultivation of mastic enables a harmonious coexistence with nature for the locals who respect and love the strength and wealth it provides, improving their quality of life.
How Does Climate Change Affect Mastic Cultivation?
In recent decades, climate change has impacted the microclimate of Southern Chios, endangering the cultivation and production of mastic. Since the summer of 2022, Southern Chios has faced prolonged heatwaves, something rare for the area, culminating in the summer of 2024, which was one of the hottest summers on record for the island.5
Due to prolonged drought, the leaves of the mastic trees dry up, leading to a decrease in production despite the increasing demand. Additionally, the climatic seasonality has changed, so mastic producers had to adapt to new conditions by shortening the available production time. While in the past, cultivation began after mid-July, it has now shifted to the beginning of the month. Previously, people could work in the fields until noon, but now it is not possible to stay after 10 a.m. due to the unbearable heat, which poses a risk to their health as well as the mastic trees.4
The situation is worsened by sudden weather changes and storms, which now occur before the mastic harvest is complete, as mastic is highly vulnerable to rain. This was experienced in early September 2024, when severe storms and flooding in Southern Chios completely destroyed the harvest.6
We cannot fail to mention the devastating wildfires that struck the island in 2012 and 2016 as a result of the combination of excessive drought and strong winds, destroying thousands of mastic trees.
Counteracting the Effects of Climate Change on Mastic
The aforementioned risks and disasters make it urgent to safeguard mastic, the natural environment of the Mastichochoria, and our quality of life from climate change.
Developing ecological awareness is perhaps the most crucial pillar for effectively addressing the issue, through the education and awareness of farmers as well as the broader population. This can lead to vital changes in farming practices, such as reducing the burning of branches to cut down carbon dioxide emissions and using wood-chippers and other technological means and machinery.7 Although it is widely believed that electric machines are more environmentally friendly than gas-powered ones, this is not entirely true. Their production and use often require a large amount of energy, and the lifespan of their batteries is limited, ending up as toxic waste.6 Therefore, we must choose reliable and environmentally friendly machinery. Another important step is encouraging companies to create spare parts for their machines, so their lifespan is extended and waste is minimized. After all, production should not be solely about profit, but also about sustainability.
Furthermore, firebreaks with the guidance and contribution of the Forest Service, watchfulness and use of technology for early detection of potential fires by volunteer organizations and the Fire Department are required in order to prevent the risk of fires.5
Additionally, as the increase in the number of mastic trees increases water needs, along with climate change, the creation of water reservoirs becomes more pressing. With the help of science, drought-resistant varieties of mastic trees can be developed.4 Finally, the installation of meteorological stations and early predictions of extreme weather phenomena will help minimize damage to the mastic harvest.
Today, mastic is an integral part of life on Chios. However, its path seems to be reaching its end, as it is threatened with extinction. Is there a future for mastic cultivation? The answer depends on us and the sensitivity of the state and the competent authorities…
We would like to thank for their invaluable help:
- Mr. Giorgos Toumbos, President of the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association
- Mr. Stavros Spyrakis, Head of the Environmental Education Centre of Omiroupolis Chios
- Ms. Nefeli Orfanou, Chios Climate Chance Project Manager (HELMEPA)
- Mr. Leonidas Papadakis, Chemistry Teacher at Kalamoti Middle School
- Mr. Akindynos Fotis, Student at the School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly
The students of the 3rd grade of Kalamoti Middle School (High School of Kalamotis – Chios)
Responsible educators: Argyro Neochorousi & Panagiotis Anastasopoulos
References
- https://www.gummastic.gr/
- 2. https://mastihashop.com/
- https://www.sagpa.gr/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=79:mastixaxiou&Itemid=238
- Interview with Mr. Giorgos Toumbos, President of the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association
- 5. Interview with Mr. Stavros Spyrakis, Head of the Environmental Education Centre of Omiroupolis Chios
- Interview with Mr. Leonidas Papadakis, Chemistry Teacher at Kalamoti Middle School
- Interview with Mr. Akindynos Fotis, Student at the School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly
