In November 2025, our Head of Sustainability, Valeria del Busto, visited our dragon’s blood suppliers in Datem del Marañón, in the Peruvian Amazon, to strengthen the collaborative work we have been developing around reforestation, responsible forest management, and the sustainable sourcing of this valuable natural resin.
This region—one of the most biodiverse in the country—is home to communities whose relationship with the forest runs deep. For them, the rainforest is not only a natural environment but also a source of livelihood, knowledge, and cultural continuity. In this context, our partnerships with local associations seek to promote productive models that protect ecosystems while generating long-term economic opportunities while conserving forest landscapes for future generations.
Reforesting for the Future
One of the pillars of our sustainability strategy is reforestation with native species, particularly Croton lechleri, the Amazonian tree from which dragon’s blood resin is obtained. Protecting and expanding populations of this species goes far beyond securing raw material: it is a long-term investment in ecosystem resilience. Croton trees help stabilize soils in fragile tropical landscapes, provide shelter and food for insects and birds, and contribute to carbon sequestration—an increasingly important service in the context of global climate change.
Community associations carry out regular forest inventories to identify and register Croton lechleri individuals within their territories. These inventories allow communities to understand population density, growth stages, age distribution, and spatial patterns, all of which are critical for designing forest management plans that respect natural regeneration cycles.
These processes also serve as a foundation for conservation. By protecting seed trees, clearing surrounding areas to better identify naturally falling seeds, and supplying local nurseries for propagation, communities strengthen the forest’s capacity to renew itself. Reforestation, therefore, is not limited to planting new trees—it is about rebuilding healthy forest systems, restoring degraded areas, and ensuring that productive activities remain compatible with ecological balance over decades.
Croton Trees and Their Properties
Croton lechleri produces a deep red sap—commonly known as dragon’s blood—that has been valued for centuries by Indigenous Amazonian communities. Traditionally applied to wounds or consumed in diluted form, the resin is widely recognized for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerating properties.
Scientific research has helped identify bioactive compounds responsible for these effects, supporting its use in dermatological, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. Today, dragon’s blood is incorporated into products aimed at skin repair, post-procedure care, and gastrointestinal health, making it a high-value ingredient whose sourcing demands particularly careful stewardship of forest resources.
Because demand for natural ingredients continues to grow globally, ensuring the long-term availability of Croton lechleri depends on proactive conservation and reforestation strategies. Strengthening tree populations reduces pressure on unmanaged stands, safeguards genetic diversity, and allows communities to develop stable, traceable supply systems aligned with environmental protection.
Dragon’s Blood: Tradition and Sustainability
Dragon’s blood sourcing takes place within community forest management plans designed to balance resource use with forest regeneration. These plans include continuous monitoring, replacement through planting, protection of seed trees, and full traceability across the supply chain.
Our role is to support associations in implementing these systems, strengthening technical capacity, promoting best practices, and ensuring fair conditions for everyone involved. Each batch of dragon’s blood therefore reflects a collective effort that places Amazonian ecosystems and community well-being at its core.
The visit to Datem del Marañón reaffirmed that sustainability is built on the ground—walking forest trails, listening to local voices, and nurturing long-term partnerships so the rainforest can remain a source of life and opportunity.
