Projects

The Huachuma Cactus Preservation Initiative

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At the Huachuma Foundation, we believe that preserving the sacred Huachuma cactus is not just about protecting a plant species—it’s about safeguarding an ancient wisdom tradition and ensuring its continuity for future generations.

Our Flagship Project: Miguel Mendiburu’s Huachuma Sanctuary

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with renowned Huachumero Miguel Mendiburu in a groundbreaking preservation effort in Peru. This project represents a significant step towards our mission of protecting and propagating the Huachuma cactus in its native environment.

Project Highlights:

  1. Land Acquisition: Miguel has successfully purchased land dedicated to Huachuma cultivation near the town of Pisac, Peru. – COMPLETED!
  2. Land Preparation: Our next step is to prepare the hillside land with terraces and build a protective wall to enclose and safeguard the space.
  3. Extensive Planting: Following land preparation, we aim to plant 5,000 Huachuma cacti, creating a thriving sanctuary for this sacred plant.
  4. Community Education Center: This land will serve as a hub for education, offering a space where traditional knowledge can be shared and preserved.
  5. Cultural Preservation: By supporting a respected Huachumero, we’re helping to maintain the integrity of traditional practices and wisdom.

Current Fundraising Goal: $27,500

To bring this vision to life, we are seeking to raise $27,500. This amount ensures we can fully fund our $25,000 project while accounting for platform fees, transfer costs, and potential currency fluctuations. Here’s how the funds will be allocated:
  1. Terracing the Hillside ($10,000):
    • Create optimal growing conditions for the Huachuma cacti
    • Maximize the available space to accommodate 5,000 plants
  2. Building Protective Walls ($10,000):
    • Ensure the sanctuary’s security
    • Preserve the sacred space from unauthorized entry
  3. Acquiring Seeds and Cuttings ($5,000):
    • Source high-quality Huachuma for planting
    • Initiate the growth of our living botanical library
  4. Administrative and Transfer Fees ($2,500):
    • Cover platform fees and credit card processing charges
    • Account for money transfer and currency conversion costs to Peru
Total Project Funds: $25,000
Total Fundraising Goal: $27,500

By setting our goal at $27,500, we ensure that after covering all necessary fees and transfer costs, we’ll have the full $25,000 needed to bring this vital project to life. Your support goes directly to preserving Huachuma and its sacred traditions.

Why This Matters

The Huachuma cactus faces significant challenges due to habitat loss and over-harvesting. By establishing this sanctuary, we’re not only preserving the plant itself but also creating a living repository of cultural knowledge and spiritual practices associated with Huachuma.

How You Can Help

We invite you to be part of this transformative project. Your support can help us create a lasting legacy of preservation and education. Here’s how you can contribute:
  1. Make a Donation: Every contribution, regardless of size, brings us closer to our goal.
  2. Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your network to increase awareness and support.
  3. Engage with Our Community: Follow our progress and join the conversation about the importance of preserving sacred plant traditions.

Support Our Mission

We deeply value every donation made to the Huachuma Cactus Preservation Initiative. Your support is not just a financial contribution; it’s a commitment to preserving an ancient wisdom tradition and its sacred plant allies. As a token of our appreciation, all donors are warmly invited to visit the sanctuary in person and meet with Miguel. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to arrange your visit. It would be our honor to show you firsthand the impact of your generosity. For those who wish to support our mission in additional ways, we offer a special “Plant More Worry Less” t-shirt. This shirt features a beautiful graphic design and showcases the mantra of our project. All proceeds from t-shirt sales directly support the Huachuma Foundation’s conservation efforts.

Events and Community Engagement

As part of our commitment to education and cultural preservation, we plan to host a variety of events and workshops at the sanctuary. These will include traditional ceremonies, educational programs, and partnership initiatives with like-minded organizations. We warmly welcome all our donors to participate in these activities, fostering a deeper connection with the Huachuma tradition and our growing community. Whether you’re interested in hands-on learning, spiritual exploration, or simply wish to witness the sanctuary’s growth, your involvement is not just welcomed—it’s an integral part of our mission. Stay connected with us to learn about upcoming events and opportunities to engage with this sacred work.

Words from Miguel Mendiburu

“This sanctuary represents a bridge between our ancestral wisdom and future generations. With your support, we can ensure that the profound teachings of Huachuma continue to guide and heal for years to come.”

Join Us in This Sacred Mission

By supporting the Huachuma Cactus Preservation Initiative, you’re not just funding a project—you’re becoming part of a movement to preserve invaluable cultural heritage and ecological diversity.

Donate Now Learn More About Huachuma Foundation

For questions or to discuss contributions, please contact us. Thank you for your interest and support in preserving the wisdom of Huachuma for future generations.