Set the Nemichtli Preservation Pledge in Motion

Muévelo con tus manos. Protégelo con tu corazón

Strictly speaking, “Nemichtli” is not a historical Nahuatl word. It is a coined name built from Nahuatl roots to convey the idea you wanted: movement, the axolotl, and water.

The intended breakdown is:

• Nemi = to live, to move, to walk, to continue in existence. In Classical Nahuatl, nemi carries the ideas of movement and living.
• Michtli = fish.
• -tli = a common Nahuatl noun ending (already part of michtli).

Your concept also associates the name with water because the axolotl lives in the canals of Xochimilco, although the word itself does not literally contain atl (water) or tlan (place of).

to continue in existence= NEMI

The meaning you can use for branding

Nemichtli — “The fish set in motion,” or “the living, moving fish.”

For your interactive sculpture, this interpretation is especially fitting because visitors physically move the gills, symbolizing both the movement of the axolotl and the beginning of a movement to protect it.

The Nemichtli Preservation Pledge begins with a small gesture. Using the included tweezers, gently and carefully move the delicate gills of your Nemichtli to give it a unique expression. Every movement symbolizes the care this extraordinary species needs to survive.

By purchasing a Nemichtli, you also set the Nemichtli Preservation Pledge in motion: 10% of your purchase is donated to Fundación UNAM’s AdoptAxolotl campaign, supporting scientific research and the restoration of the axolotl’s natural habitat in Xochimilco.

Move it with your hands. Protect it with your heart.

Nemichtli is an original name inspired by the Nahuatl words nemi (“to live, to move, to be in motion”) and michin (“fish”), evoking a living creature in constant motion.

Just like the real axolotl, Nemichtli is meant to be interactive. Shape and rearrange its signature magenta wire gills, giving it a unique expression every time you touch it.

But the movement doesn’t stop there.

Every Nemichtli you bring home sets the Nemichtli Preservation Pledge in motion. A portion of the profits from every purchase supports scientific research, habitat conservation, and the preservation of Mexico’s natural and cultural heritage, helping protect the extraordinary axolotl for future generations.

Play. Move. Inspire. Preserve.

Or, as a shorter tagline:

Move Nemichtli. Set the Nemichtli Preservation Pledge in Motion.

I especially like “Set the Nemichtli Preservation Pledge in Motion.” It connects the physical movement of the sculpture with the real-world impact of conservation, making the interaction itself part of the story.

The Nemichtli Preservation Pledge

Every Nemichtli is more than a work of art—it’s a commitment to protecting the real axolotl.

We are establishing The Nemichtli Preservation Pledge, an initiative dedicated to supporting organizations that protect and preserve this extraordinary species. A dedicated bank account will be created exclusively for this purpose.

Ten percent (10%) of every Nemichtli purchase will be deposited into this account.

After your purchase, you will receive:

• A Thank You Card welcoming you to The Nemichtli Preservation Pledge.
• A Proof of Deposit confirming that 15% of your purchase has been contributed to the preservation fund.

Our goal is to partner with a respected conservation foundation so that every contribution directly supports scientific research, habitat restoration, and long-term protection of the axolotl.

Move it with your hands. Protect it with your heart.A small movement. A lasting impact.

Yes. Several highly credible organizations actively protect the axolotl and its habitat. Since you want the Nemichtli Preservation Pledge to have real impact and credibility, I would recommend partnering with one of these rather than creating your own conservation program from scratch.

Nemichtli’s gills are its lifeline.

The axolotl’s delicate external gills allow it to breathe underwater by absorbing oxygen from the surrounding water. Each feathery branch is filled with tiny blood vessels that perform the vital exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Without healthy gills, an axolotl cannot survive.

In your interactive sculpture, the gills represent more than anatomy—they symbolize life itself. They invite people to slow down, interact gently, and realize that something so beautiful is also incredibly fragile. By moving the colorful gills carefully with tweezers, visitors experience firsthand how delicate they are, creating a moment of empathy and respect.

Why should we take care of Nemichtli’s gills?

Because they are its breath, its life, and its connection to the water. Every gentle touch reminds us that the real axolotl depends on clean, healthy wetlands to survive. Protect Nemichtli’s gills, and you begin a movement to protect the species itself.

This message ties directly into your concept:

Move the gills with care.
Protect the heart of the axolotl.
Start the Nemichtli Pledge.

A small movement. A lasting impact.

1. Fundación UNAM – AdoptAxolotl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (My top recommendation)

This is probably the strongest partner for your vision.

Fundación UNAM supports the AdoptAxolotl campaign led by the Ecological Restoration Laboratory at UNAM under ecologist Dr. Luis Zambrano. Donations fund:

• Habitat restoration in Xochimilco
• Construction of chinampa refuges
• Water biofilters
• Scientific research
• Long-term monitoring of wild axolotl populations
• Community education and sustainable agriculture

The campaign already provides donors with certificates and updates, making it a natural fit for your idea of sending customers a thank-you card and proof that part of their purchase supports conservation.