Maguey Landscape: Regeneration of the Desert

This chapter explores the untapped potentials of cultivating the maguey plant, a species of agave widely found across Mexico and other regions. Historically, the plant’s remarkable qualities have been overlooked or forgotten. Its most significant contribution lies in its ability to capture CO2. The maguey plant is one of the most efficient processors of carbon capture in the world and can capture up to 65 tons CO2 per hectare. Beyond carbon capture, maguey offers several other benefits, including medicinal properties, the health benefits of aguamiel, soil improvement and ecological restoration of arid landscapes. However, unlocking this potential requires a large-scale, landscape planning approach to fully harness these benefits and contribute to reversing climate change. The economic opportunities associated with maguey cultivation are substantial as well, as it offers local farmers the opportunity to sell products from the plant and capitalize on the carbon capture through carbon certification. By forming cooperative organizations, farmers can pool their knowledge and resources, amplifying their collective impact and ensuring the success of maguey cultivation on a broader scale.