Candelilla Institute
Conservation, Community and Sustainable Development
We work to preserve the Chihuahuan Desert and develop the Candelillero communities, ensuring a sustainable future for their inhabitants.
OUR IMPACT AND FOCUS
Who are we?
We are a non-profit civil association committed to protecting the species of the Chihuahuan Desert and promoting their knowledge. Our goal is to foster their sustainable usage, which can become a source of economic resources for the residents of the communities in this region.
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CANDELILLA WAX EXTRACTION
Social Projects
Thanks to your generous donations, we support rural producers in improving their infrastructure for Candelilla wax extraction. We build safer and more efficient roofs and workspaces, protecting workers from inclement weather and optimizing the extraction process. Your support makes it possible for these communities to have better working conditions.
RESISTANT ROOFS FOR PAILAS
SHADE FOR EXTRACTION
NATURE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Origin of Candelilla
Candelilla plant
The Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica or Euphorbia cerifera) is a plant from the Chihuahuan Desert recognized for its ability to produce high-quality natural wax. It grows in arid, calcareous soils, forming bushes with thin stems covered in a protective wax that reduces moisture loss. Its resistance to extreme climates and pests makes it a key species in the desert ecosystem.
Chihuahuan Desert
The Chihuahuan Desert, the largest desert in North America, offers unique conditions for the growth of the Candelilla plant. With temperatures as high as 50 °C (122 ºF) and scarce rainfall, this region is home to one of the world’s greatest biodiversity areas, including more than 1,500 species of cacti.