Integrating Agroecological Food Production, Ecological Restoration, Peasants’ Wellbeing, and Agri-Food Biocultural Heritage in Xochimilco, Mexico City

A transdisciplinary model, the 'chinampa-refuge' (CRM), has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing water quality and restoring native aquatic biodiversity within Xochimilco's wetlands while supporting traditional agroecological practices. This approach, rooted in precolonial agricultural techniques, contributes to the sustainability of both the urban wetland and Mexico City as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The CRM integrates ecological restoration with food production, improving the safety and quality of products. However, challenges persist in production and commercialization, necessitating stronger social organization and collective action. Urgent government intervention is also required to address broader degradation trends affecting the wetland's sustainability.

Figueroa, F., Puente-Uribe, M. B., Arteaga-Ledesma, D., Espinosa-García, A. C., Tapia-Palacios, M. A., Silva-Magaña, M. A., Mazari-Hiriart, M., Arroyo-Lambaer, D., Revollo-Fernández, D., Sumano, C., Rivas, M. I., Jiménez-Serna, A., Covarrubias, M., & Zambrano, L. (2022). Integrating Agroecological Food Production, Ecological Restoration, Peasants’ Wellbeing, and Agri-Food Biocultural Heritage in Xochimilco, Mexico City. Sustainability, 14(15), 9641. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159641