Natural plant and indigenous preservation

Mexico is a large ongoing project whereby there is a very long history of indigenous living and there still is a prevaling indigenous communities where they still live by the ancestral wisdom and by the laws of nature.

The laws and structure is very much ingrained in preserving the land and its ecosystem, by putting the needs of the land first and maintaining a connection to the land to be able to work in harmony with it rather than against it.

This project was about discovering the land of Mexico and coming together with 4 tribes from across the 4 directions of the American continent to come together to form solutions for the future.

This gathering was powerful for the preservation of the land. The tribes coming together is a collection of creative energy and ideas to bring a clearer vision of the future and the present mission on how to achieve this understanding and alignment.

how to work and live with the land

Its important to listen to the land and to not impose our human desires onto it and over use the land, going against its natural capabilities and abilities. It is to be aware of what grows there, what inhabits this land, to have respect and work together with it.

Its important for us to understand the needs of the land and to cooperate together with the bigger companies, governments, policies and people to come to mutual agreements. Without negating the land and its particularities.

It is to not impose but to discover whats the highest potential for us all.

The structure of nature is very real and produces many potentialities for us to live with. So its important to be aware of what that is and honour it. By working with nature to the best of its abilities for nature and ourselves.

desert project

Within the desert of Mexico there is a very special climate and ecosystem. Here grows many sacred plants that the ancestral tribes are very connected to. Plants that have existed since our understanding of time and plants that have provided a lot of medicine and lessons for mankind.

In this time there are many farming companies moving into the desert to grow crops thats don’t naturally grow in the desert.

In doing this they change the ecosystem of the whole area by imposing an unnatural growth, harvest, vegetation, cycle and pesticides into the land. This effects all the ancient plants and landscape of the dessert. Endangering a whole ecosystem and causing species to go extinct.

examples of native plants to the mexican desert

The Mexican desert, like other deserts, is characterised by arid conditions, extreme temperatures, and limited precipitation. Despite the harsh environment, various plant species have adapted to thrive in these arid regions.

Agave:

Agave species, such as Agave parryi and Agave salmiana, are well-adapted to arid environments. These plants are known for their rosette-shaped leaves and are used for various purposes, including the production of beverages like mezcal.

Yucca:

Yucca plants, including species like Yucca schidigera, are common in the Mexican desert. They have long, sword-like leaves and produce tall flower spikes. Yucca plants have historical and traditional uses among indigenous communities.

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens):

Ocotillo is a distinctive plant with tall, slender stems that can produce bright red flowers after rainfall. It is well-adapted to arid conditions and can be found in various Mexican deserts.

Cacti:

Numerous cactus species are native to Mexican deserts. Some examples include the Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea), Barrel cactus (Ferocactus spp.), and Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) and Peyote.

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata):

The creosote bush is a hardy desert shrub with small, resinous leaves. It is well-adapted to arid regions and is often found in the Mexican desert.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis):

Jojoba is a shrub native to the Sonoran Desert, which spans parts of Mexico and the southwestern United States. Jojoba produces seeds that are used to extract jojoba oil, a valuable substance in various industries.

Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata):

Desert marigold is a small perennial plant with yellow flowers, commonly found in arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Sotol (Dasylirion spp.):

Sotol plants are succulent perennials with long, slender leaves. They are adapted to arid environments and are found in various desert regions, including parts of Mexico.

Mesquite (Prosopis spp.):

Mesquite trees and shrubs are adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. They are known for their deep taproots and are found in various desert regions, including parts of Mexico.

Acacia (Acacia spp.):

Some Acacia species are adapted to arid conditions and can be found in Mexican deserts. These trees and shrubs are known for their feathery leaves and small, fragrant flowers.

It's important to note that the plant species in Mexican deserts can vary based on the specific desert region, elevation, and local climate conditions. The plants mentioned above have adapted to survive in the challenging conditions of arid environments.

The collective prayer

This project involved a 30 day walk across Mexico to reach to the top of this mountain where the 4 tribes would gather.

Here began an a very long conversation in an ancient space about the future and how to maintain the integrity of the land. By bringing different projects that don’t support this idea into the light so that they can redevelop and come up with new ways of working.

The outcome of this was that any company working outside of the regulations of the natural climate of the dessert e.g. those unnaturally growing tomatoes in the dessert were ordered immediate to stop this type of crop cycle and to retune with the natural cycles of the land and the natural vegetation.

This collective of tribes then continued the pilgrimage to Mexico City where legally these restrictions were put in place to honour the land and preserve the ancient plants.

natural plants

On this long trip across Mexico I learnt in-depth about the different plants, lands, cycles, properties and natural structures that exist in Mexico.

Having been forutante enough to go to many ancient sites and meet with tribes who shared their tradition and practice to teach us how to honour the land and work together with it for its true potentialitiy and not for the desire of the human mind.

This was a very strong message and lesson to learn and continues to be a project that is developing and working across Mexico to have the voices of the indigenous heard so that we can create a world that works in harmony rather than self-serving motivations.

Project evolution

This intention has span across Mexico with many people developing a self-sufficient way of life on the land by creating spaces where they can harvest and grow their own foods and fruits.

Working with the land in the jungle of Oaxaca to see what materials work best for building and living in harmony. How to be creative with the natural resources like clay for example to make beautiful buildings and designs. How to work with bamboo to make interesting and strong structures. How to use the plants to their highest potentialities so that we are co-creating.

Deepening our understanding of the medicinal properties of the plants to use them for their correct wisdom and to learn more about what the plants can do and how to work together.

ways in which we can work more cohesively and self-sufficiently

Living and working with the land in the jungle of Oaxaca, Mexico, involves embracing sustainable practices that respect the natural environment and the unique ecosystem of the region.

Permaculture Practices:

Designing Sustainable Systems: Implement permaculture principles to design sustainable and regenerative systems that work with the natural elements of the jungle, including water, soil, and vegetation.

Fermentation Projects:

Learning about fermentation: using the locally grown fruits and vegetables to create long lasting ferments that can be consumed as food and encourage a healthy biome in our bodies. Also encouraging slow consumption and conscious use of food and food-waste.

Agroforestry:

Diverse Planting: Embrace agroforestry by planting a mix of trees, crops, and other vegetation. This mimics the natural structure of the jungle and enhances biodiversity.

Water Conservation:

Rainwater Harvesting: Utilize rainwater harvesting systems to capture and store rainwater for various uses, reducing dependence on external water sources.

Natural Building Techniques:

Local Materials: Construct buildings using locally sourced and sustainable materials, incorporating natural building techniques that are suitable for the humid jungle environment.

Traditional Indigenous Wisdom:

Learn from Local Communities: Seek guidance from local indigenous communities who have lived sustainably in the jungle for generations. Learn about traditional farming practices, medicinal plant knowledge, and cultural sustainability.

Conservation and Restoration:

Protect Natural Habitats: Implement conservation efforts to protect natural habitats and engage in restoration projects that help regenerate the ecosystem.

Sustainable Agriculture:

Organic Farming: Practice organic and sustainable farming methods that avoid harmful chemicals and pesticides. Use companion planting techniques to enhance crop health.

Wildlife Protection:

Respect Wildlife: Respect the diverse wildlife in the jungle. Avoid disrupting natural habitats, and consider wildlife corridors in land planning.

Cultural Integration:

Cultural Sensitivity: If you are not from the local indigenous community, strive to integrate respectfully with the local culture. Learn the language, traditions, and customs to foster positive relationships.

Energy Independence:

Renewable Energy: Use renewable energy sources, such as solar or hydroelectric power, to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy and minimise environmental impact.

Waste Reduction:

Composting and Recycling: Implement waste reduction strategies, such as composting organic waste and recycling materials. Minimise single-use plastics and adopt a zero-waste approach. As well as helps encourage healthy 360 biome by using food waste to go back to the earth to grow nutrient rich foods.

Education and Community Engagement:

Share Knowledge: Engage with the local community and share knowledge about sustainable living practices. Foster educational initiatives that promote environmental awareness.

Responsible Tourism:

Sustainable Tourism: If involved in tourism activities, promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices that minimise negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Adaptability:

Understand the Ecosystem: Continuously observe and learn from the local ecosystem. Be adaptable and responsive to changes in weather patterns, plant and animal behavior, and overall environmental conditions.

Living and working sustainably in the jungle of Oaxaca requires a deep understanding and appreciation for the delicate balance of the ecosystem. It involves not just adapting to the environment but actively contributing to its health and resilience. Collaborating with local communities and respecting traditional knowledge can enrich your approach to sustainable living in the jungle.