Dr Alan Forrest

I lead programmes at the Centre for Middle Eastern Plants (CMEP) focused on the sustainable use of plant species, including global trade and harvesting of frankincense and other gums and resins. I also lead a variety of initiatives on the Soqotra Archipelago, where my work integrates cultural and natural heritage into conservation strategies and explores ways to incorporate evolutionary diversity into Protected Area networks. Across the Arabian Peninsula, I contribute to regional plant conservation assessments. 

I am a certified IUCN Red List Assessor and Trainer, and I contribute taxonomic expertise to the Flora of the Arabian Peninsula Checklist. I believe that sound taxonomy and effective identification tools are essential to delivering successful conservation outcomes—both regionally and globally. 

My academic background includes a PhD on hybridization in Scottish sub-arctic willows, followed by postdoctoral research in Madrid, where I worked on capturing molecular diversity in Spain’s Protected Areas. I returned to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) in 2009 and joined CMEP in 2011. 

Since then, I’ve collaborated with a wide network of local, national, and international partners across Arabia, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia, contributing to research, conservation planning, and sustainable resource use throughout the region.