Preserving Forests, Reviving Traditions: Inside the Work of Consorcio Chiclero

Deep in the tropical forests of Quintana Roo and Campeche, over 2,000 forest tappers — 70% of whom belong to Maya communities — are preserving an ancient tradition and building a more resilient future.

​Consorcio Chiclero is a pioneering cooperative producing 100% natural, organic chewing gum from chicle, a sap sustainably harvested from the chicozapote tree. Each tree is tapped by hand only once every five years, allowing the forest to regenerate and thrive.

Through its agroforestry practices, the cooperative helps protect over one million hectares of tropical rainforest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. At the same time, it's safeguarding Indigenous ecological knowledge passed down for generations.

​With a loan from the Reciprocity Fund, Consorcio Chiclero was able to purchase raw gum from its members, increasing their incomes while ensuring forest conservation.

​We’re proud to support Consorcio Chiclero as they build a model for Indigenous-led sustainability and community-driven enterprise.

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