Publications
Feminists versus Monuments? From Protests to Anti‐monuments in Mexico City
Feminist activists in Mexico City have redefined public protest by creating 'anti-monuments' to challenge state prioritization of heritage over gender-based violence prevention. These counter-hegemonic memorials, established during demonstrations, commemorate femicide victims while critiquing the protection of traditional monuments like those in Xochimilco and the Historic Centre. Unlike other social movements, feminists employ symbolic space occupation and monument damage as tactics that intertwine politics, memory, and urban heritage. The study reveals how these actions reflect broader tensions between state authority and grassroots demands for justice.
Evidence for HV peaks superposition leading to extreme horizontal ground motion amplification revealed by the Xochimilco ambient noise tomography
Researchers have uncovered extreme horizontal ground motion amplification in Mexico City's Xochimilco region, attributed to the superposition of multiple resonance peaks. This phenomenon, revealed through ambient seismic noise tomography combining horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) and multimodal dispersion curves, highlights the complex interaction between sedimentary layers with varying water content and lava intrusions. The study, involving 84 seismic stations, demonstrates that while surface wave energy is distributed across fundamental and higher modes, the spatially continuous decrease in dominant peak frequency toward the lake interior masks heterogeneous amplification patterns. These findings are crucial for seismic mitigation strategies in Mexico City and may apply to other cities built on sedimentary basins.
Lime treatments for food preparation identified in Postclassic Xochimilco (Mexico) ceramic sherds
Archaeological evidence from Postclassic Xochimilco, Mexico, reveals that lime treatments were used not only for maize nixtamalization but also to process other plant foodstuffs. Analysis of a whitish layer on ceramic sherds using FT-IR confirmed the presence of calcium carbonate, while binocular microscopy showed multiple microlayers suggesting repeated use. Starch grain analysis identified residues indicating diverse alkaline-treated foods, a practice previously undocumented archaeologically despite its modern prevalence in Mexico.
Persisting at the Edge of Ecological Collapse: The Impact of Urbanization on Fish and Amphibian Communities From Lake Xochimilco
Lake Xochimilco is on the brink of ecological collapse due to urbanization, with alien fish species dominating its low-diversity ecosystem. Despite severe degradation—evidenced by pollution and habitat loss—the study reveals that native and endemic fauna, including the threatened mexclapique fish (Girardinicthys viviparus), persist undetected by traditional surveys. Environmental DNA metabarcoding identified ca. 60% of historically recorded species, highlighting the potential for restoration while underscoring the critical role of wildlife refuges in preventing extinction, as seen with the Critically Endangered axolotl (Ambystoma sp.). The research also uncovered cryptic taxonomic diversity in Lithobates frogs and demonstrated that non-native fish families thrive in polluted conditions, offering insights into urban ecosystem resilience.
The Hypsographic Monument in Mexico City: An accumulation of uncertainty
The Hypsographic Monument in Mexico City, originally erected in 1878 to serve as a fixed reference point for geographical and scientific data, now embodies uncertainty due to its relocation. This displacement challenges the monument's symbolic role as the 'kilometre zero' of Mexico, raising questions about authority, truth, and the evolution of historical objects. The study examines how the monument, intended to be permanently fixed with scientific information such as coordinates and standards of length, has become a palimpsest of contradictory narratives. Its current state reflects contemporary disregard and speculative storytelling, offering a case study on how historic commemorative objects lose meaning over time.
(No) Todo es gentrificación
Critical urban studies and decolonial perspectives intersect in the analysis of gentrification and touristification processes in historic city centers, as demonstrated by Dr. Ibán Díaz Parra's 2022 book 'Vender una ciudad.' The study examines these phenomena through a comparative lens across Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and Seville, employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. It traces the evolution of gentrification discourse while critiquing its articulation with neoliberal urbanism and the rhetoric of returning to built heritage. The review highlights methodological rigor but cautions against potential biases in certain critical perspectives and policy discussions.
Centros históricos y gentrificación: claves analíticas desde el discurso crítico
Gentrification in historic centers, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mexico City's Historic Centre and Xochimilco, is driven by capital accumulation processes that reshape urban spaces. This study identifies ten analytical guidelines derived from critical discourse theory to better understand these transformations. By examining case studies from Quito, Salvador de Bahía, and Mexico City, researchers highlight the structural logic behind gentrification, emphasizing its role in contemporary urban development. The approach integrates spatial production theory with critical discourse analysis to provide a nuanced framework for studying socio-spatial changes in historic centers.
Critical Social Participatory Action Research for Conscientization: Pedagogies and Findings from Xochimilco
A critical participatory action research project in Xochimilco, Mexico, demonstrates the potential of conscientization to preserve cultural heritage while fostering economic inclusion. By employing co-constructed knowledge and relational dialogue, researchers dismantled power differentials and created inclusive learning spaces. The study highlights how critical pedagogies can bridge gaps between academic research and community engagement, offering a model for sustainable development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco.
Survey methods for the heritage and vulnerability values in a block of mexico city historic centre
Integrated digital surveys, leveraging 3D laser scanning and Structure from Motion (SFM) photogrammetry, offer powerful tools for documenting and diagnosing heritage vulnerabilities in urban blocks. A study of a Mexico City historic center block between Plaza Mayor and Templo Major demonstrated that these methods can effectively capture plastic deformations and masonry wall misalignments, providing critical data for conservation and restoration efforts. By analyzing building facades at an urban scale and individual architectural units at finer scales, researchers identified structural lesions, failure patterns, and collapse risks—key insights for preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site, once the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan.
‘I will stay here’: public space and social inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic
During Mexico City's COVID-19 lockdowns, the closure of Alameda Central, a central public park, exacerbated social inequalities by displacing vulnerable populations—including homeless individuals, street vendors, buskers, and male sex workers—who resisted leaving or found ways to return. The study reveals that pandemic policies overlooked the diverse needs of public space users, highlighting how urban planning can inadvertently deepen exclusion for marginalized groups.
Algal Blooms and their Importance in Xochimilco and San Gregorio Atlapulco, Mexico
Algal blooms in the Ejidos de Xochimilco and San Gregorio Atlapulco Protected Natural Area exhibit significant spatiotemporal variations, encompassing 17 species with diverse ecological and industrial importance. Among these, Limnospira maxima stands out for its high nutritional value, while Anabaenopsis circularis, Microcystis aeruginosa, and Planktothrix agardhii pose potential toxicity or carcinogenic risks. The study, spanning from 2012 to 2022, utilized trawl sampling and van Dorn bottles to collect data, highlighting the need for constant monitoring and expanded knowledge to inform ecosystem management and sustainable use.
Desarrollo de biorrefinerías para el manejo sostenible de lirio acuático (Eichhornia crassipes) en los canales de Xochimilco
A novel approach to sustainable water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) management has been developed, offering scalable solutions for Xochimilco's canals. The research successfully designed and implemented a biorrefinery system capable of processing 500–1,000 kg/week locally or scaling up to 5–50+ tons/week regionally, converting the invasive plant into compost, vermicompost, absorbent materials, and biogas. This strategy significantly mitigates ecological disruptions while addressing tourism, fishing, and energy generation challenges. The biorrefinery model, tested from November 2019 to July 2022, serves as a replicable template for adjacent regions, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating circular economy principles in UNESCO-listed sites.
Gastronomic Sustainable Tourism and Social Change in World Heritage Sites. The Enhancement of the Local Agroecological Products in the Chinampas of Xochimilco (Mexico City)
Gastronomic sustainable tourism emerges as a promising modality to balance the dual pressures of agriculture and mass tourism on Xochimilco's UNESCO-listed chinampa system, while promoting agroecological practices. This study reveals that integrating local chinampero products into responsible tourism can mitigate environmental degradation caused by conventional tourism, fostering social change and sustainability. Researchers analyzed the role of tourism in Xochimilco, highlighting its distorting effects on the environment but also its potential when aligned with sustainable gastronomy. The approach involved examining agroecological production practices and their impact on tourism dynamics, emphasizing the importance of mise en valeur (enhancement) for preserving this unique agri-food system.
Making Informal Water Distribution Work: Collective Agency and Self-Organization in Informal Areas of Xochimilco, Mexico City
Collective agency and self-organization among residents can significantly enhance the efficiency of informal water distribution systems, reducing reliance on expensive private water sources. A study of two informal settlements in Xochimilco, Mexico City, found that strong community leadership and coordination with water truck drivers led to more effective public water delivery, lower private water consumption, and minimal municipal investment. Conversely, communities lacking clear leadership resorted to individual actions, increasing dependence on costly private sellers. These findings highlight the potential for sustainable water distribution alternatives through formal recognition and compensation of collective agency, addressing both equity and efficiency in informal urban areas.
Study of non-ionizing radiation emissions in two zones of Xochimilco, México City
A year-long study measuring non-ionizing radiation (NIR) emissions in Xochimilco, Mexico City, found that while the levels of radio frequency (RF) and magnetic field (CM) remained below national and international safety limits, they exceeded thresholds linked to potential adverse health effects. The highest average RF and CM values were 1316 μW/m² and 6.38 μT in a commercial zone, compared to 66 μW/m² and 5.08 μT in a residential area. These findings align with ICNIRP guidelines but underscore the need for further research due to lingering uncertainties about long-term biological impacts.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in the World Heritage Site of the Historic Centre of Mexico City
Research reveals that balancing historical preservation with energy efficiency in Mexico City's Historic Centrerequires nuanced stakeholder priorities and adaptive management strategies. The study, based on extensive interviews with 52,372 words, found that decisions around thermal comfort, energy use, and heritage conservation are shaped by dynamic interrelationships between values, user behaviors, and evolving urban needs. By applying grounded theory and thematic analysis, the findings underscore the need for a more integrated sustainable development plan to address conservation challenges while fostering inclusivity across economic levels. This approach could redefine how heritage sites reconcile cultural integrity with modern energy demands.
Amaranth production in Tulyehualco Xochimilco, Mexico City
Amaranth production in Tulyehualco, Xochimilco, Mexico City, demonstrates that while direct sowing yields higher profits, traditional chapin (seedbed) cultivation, though more costly and less efficient, holds cultural significance. The study, conducted between 2010-2019 with surveys of 35 producers, 3 marketers, and 4 transformers in late 2019, found that Xochimilco dominates amaranth production, accounting for 60.4% of the harvested area and 55.6% of national output. Despite higher costs and lower yields in chapin cultivation, it persists due to ancestral knowledge. The research recommends adopting modern technologies for density, nutrition, and pest control to enhance profitability while preserving traditional practices.
Balancing heritage values, thermal comfort and energy efficiency in world heritage sites
A critical insight emerges from studying how residents of historic buildings balance heritage values with energy efficiency needs, revealing that successful retrofitting strategies must prioritize understanding the social and cultural significance attributed to these structures. The research, conducted through in-depth interviews and environmental monitoring across five historic residential buildings in Mexico City's UNESCO World Heritage-listed center, demonstrates that occupants' willingness to modify their homes hinges on preserving features they perceive as culturally or socially valuable—even when doing so could improve thermal comfort or reduce energy consumption. This finding underscores the need for energy efficiency regulations to account for such nuanced human decision-making processes if they are to be both effective and sustainable, particularly in contexts where heritage preservation is a priority.
Circuitos de la economía urbana y patrimonio-territorial Latinoameriano. Mercado de Xochimilco, Ciudad de México
Traditional markets in Latin American metropolises, such as the Mercado de Xochimilco in Mexico City, play a pivotal role in mitigating urbanization risks and bridging the gap between rural-urban dynamics and ancestral-modern identities. This study reveals that these markets act as economic hubs, generating both centripetal and centrifugal forces that sustain local economies—both formal and informal—while serving as spaces of survival for impoverished populations. By employing a mixed-methods approach, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and qualitative spatial analysis, researchers demonstrate the resilience of Xochimilco's market ecosystem, which encompasses producer zones, chinampa (floating garden) areas, and street vending. The concept of 'patrimonio-territorial' and urban economic circuit theory applied to the Global South underscores how these markets persist amid selective modernization and rising informality, offering a model for understanding socio-spatial continuity in metropolitan heritage sites.
Decision-Making Processes of Residents in Preservation, Thermal Comfort, and Energy Efficiency in Heritage Buildings: A Pilot Study in Mexico City
Residents of heritage buildings in Mexico City's Historic Centre prioritize preservation over invasive retrofitting, even when facing thermal discomfort and energy inefficiency. A pilot study found that while occupants perceived poor thermal conditions, they preferred passive solutions like adjusting clothing or closing windows to avoid altering the building’s heritage values or incurring high costs. Small-scale interventions, such as changes to floors and ceilings, were acceptable, but residents resisted modifications to culturally significant elements. The research highlights the tension between energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and heritage conservation, suggesting that integrating resident perspectives into decision-making could enhance long-term sustainability of retrofitting policies without compromising built heritage.
Holocene and Upper Pleistocene stratigraphy of Xochimilco lake, central Mexico
A comprehensive stratigraphic analysis of Xochimilco lake, part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco, reveals environmental oscillations spanning 300,000 to 350,000 years. The study identified eight distinct lithological units dominated by clastic sediments, biogenic components (primarily diatoms), and volcaniclastic deposits, providing a detailed record of late Quaternary environmental changes. Diatom-rich laminated sediments correspond to deeper lake phases, while higher calcareous components indicate shallower, more saline conditions. This foundational stratigraphy enables future paleoclimatic investigations, offering insights into millennial-scale environmental dynamics in the basin of Mexico.
Identifying Urban Agriculture Needs and Challenges for the Implementation of Green Labeling in Xochimilco, Mexico
Chinampas, the ancient and sustainable urban agriculture system of Xochimilco, Mexico, face persistent challenges that hinder the potential benefits of green labeling. Despite their ecological and cultural significance, these agricultural plots suffer from commercialization issues, consumer unwillingness to pay fair prices, soil degradation, and poor water quality—factors that could undermine the effectiveness of eco-certification programs. A study combining literature review and network theory analysis revealed that producers' immediate needs, such as profit maximization and financial guidance for pricing, remain unmet. Under current production and market conditions, the cost of green labeling certification is prohibitive for most farmers, suggesting that addressing these longstanding conflicts is critical before implementing sustainability programs.
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.
Managing Major Threats to Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites face diverse threats, from natural disasters to human-induced damage, necessitating proactive management strategies. This study highlights the importance of the 'World Heritage in Danger' list and the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) framework as tools for mitigating risks. Case studies, including the Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco, demonstrate varying challenges in managing cultural and natural heritage. The research underscores the need for adaptive strategies to safeguard these sites against short-, medium-, and long-term threats, excluding specific issues related to war or excessive visitation.
A sociotechnical approach to users’ heritage values and decision-making processes for energy efficiency and thermal comfort in heritage buildings: A pilot study in Mexico City
A pilot study reveals that residents of historic buildings in Mexico City's World Heritage-listed center prioritize heritage values over invasive energy efficiency interventions, even when facing thermal discomfort. They opt for passive solutions like wearing more clothing or closing windows rather than risking costly retrofitting that could degrade the building's cultural and social significance. The research combines semi-structured interviews with environmental monitoring and system dynamics analysis to demonstrate how users' heritage values influence long-term decision-making regarding energy efficiency, highlighting a tension between conservation constraints and comfort needs.
Ecophysiology of Chirostoma Jordani Pisces: Atherinopsidae. Habitat Characterization and Population Dynamics in a Periurban Lake (Xochimilco, México)
Research on the ecophysiology of Chirostoma Jordani, an endemic fish species in Mexico, reveals significant population dynamics influenced by water quality in Xochimilco's Cuemanco canal. The study found that the smallest sizes and weights were recorded during February and April, indicating a spawning period, while the largest were noted in November. Growth rates were higher from March to May (0.19±0.05 mm/day) compared to August to November (0.04±0.03 mm/day). Water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and nitrite levels significantly impacted the population's abundance and growth. These findings provide crucial insights into the life strategies of C. Jordani and are essential for its future management in Xochimilco and under controlled conditions.
Persisting narratives undermine potential water scarcity solutions for informal areas of Mexico City: the case of two settlements in Xochimilco
In informal settlements of Mexico City, particularly in Xochimilco, three dominant narratives—'formalizing informality,' 'enhancing informality,' and 'greening informality'—shape water scarcity solutions but may hinder effective progress. These narratives, rooted in socially constructed perspectives, influence decisions on grey infrastructure development, water truck delivery systems, and rainwater capture. The study highlights that while each approach offers trade-offs, their implementation is often constrained by persistent societal beliefs, undermining potential solutions to water scarcity in these vulnerable areas.
Adapting Wetland Restoration Practices in Urban Areas: Perspectives from Xochimilco in Mexico City
Urban wetland restoration can be effectively achieved through multi-disciplinary approaches that address socio-ecosystem dynamics, potentially creating positive feedback loops to enhance ecosystem resilience. A case study from Xochimilco, Mexico City, demonstrates how the 'Chinampa-Refuge' project—centered on agriculture and axolotl conservation—disrupts a negative feedback loop of water pollution leading to agricultural abandonment and urban encroachment. By establishing aquatic refuges that improve water quality, the project benefits both native species like Ambystoma mexicanum (the axolotl) and local crops, incentivizing further refuge creation and systemic improvement.
Deterioro ambiental y ocupación urbana irregular en la Zona Lacustre de Xochimilco, Ciudad de México
Research reveals that peri-urbanization in the Xochimilco region of Mexico City is significantly accelerating environmental degradation, primarily due to irregular land occupation and state neglect. The study highlights how poverty-driven informal settlements, exacerbated by local government complicity, have worsened ecological conditions in this historically and ecologically valuable area. Key factors contributing to degradation include inadequate water supply, lack of drainage infrastructure, unchecked settlement expansion, and the discharge of untreated wastewater into canals. Fieldwork and 75 interviews were used to document these challenges, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to protect Xochimilco's unique lacustrine ecosystem.
Dissonant Views of Socioecological Problems: Local Perspectives and Conservation Policies in Xochimilco, Mexico
A critical gap exists between conservation policies and local community perspectives in Xochimilco, Mexico's urban wetland. Policies, often designed without sufficient input from those directly dependent on the ecosystem, oversimplify complex socioecological issues, ignoring urgent processes linked to wetland degradation. This study highlights how governmental programmes exacerbate social asymmetries by failing to address local concerns effectively. Through interviews with local inhabitants, officials, and NGOs, alongside a review of conservation policies since 1989, researchers underscore the need for transdisciplinary, participatory approaches that integrate all stakeholders—particularly those reliant on ecosystems—to improve policy success.
Factores que favorecen el consumo de amaranto en la Ciudad de México: Caso de estudio Xochimilco
Amaranth consumption in Xochimilco, Mexico City, is primarily driven by its use as a snack and its regular taste, with limited awareness of its functional properties. Only 35% of consumers recognize amaranth's nutritional benefits, while higher income levels correlate with increased frequency and quantity of consumption. The study, conducted through non-probabilistic convenience sampling involving 135 participants from September to December 2015, used Pearson correlation analysis (SAS 9.3) to identify key factors. Findings suggest that individuals who are students or professionals represent a significant market niche for amaranth-based breakfast options or snacks. The research underscores the need for targeted strategies to promote amaranth consumption by emphasizing its functional attributes.
Reassessing the LIS approach to traditional knowledge: learning from Xochimilco, Mexico city
Traditional knowledge in Xochimilco, Mexico City, is not static but dynamically reinvented through two contrasting lenses: heritage tourism and agro-ecology. The study reveals that traditional practices, such as those tied to chinampas (floating gardens), are both a source of identity and sustainable agricultural techniques, challenging the perception of traditional knowledge as merely a threatened relic. Fieldwork and interviews highlighted a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage amid modernization pressures. This research underscores the potential for traditional knowledge to foster resilience, biodiversity, and social justice while offering a nuanced framework for understanding its adaptive nature.
Shallow structure of the Chalco and Xochimilco sub-basins (southern Mexico basin) based on wave propagation modelling and seismic data
Researchers have mapped the shallow geological structures of the Chalco and Xochimilco sub-basins, part of Mexico City's UNESCO-listed historic center, revealing a complex volcanic-sedimentary infill shaped by tectonic forces. Using seismic data from a 3000 m deep well and wave propagation modeling, they identified key features such as the base of lacustrine sediments and basaltic basement, separated by structural highs interpreted as volcanic flows. The study found that the Xochimilco sub-basin's shallow lacustrine sediments thin northwestward, while Chalco's reflectors indicate deformation during deposition. High-amplitude seismic reflections suggest impedance contrasts between geological units, with strata thicknesses implying sedimentation cycles of ~30,000 years. This work provides a foundation for understanding seismic amplification in these tectonic depressions and reconstructs paleo-environmental changes in the southern Mexico Basin over the last 250,000–375,000 years.
Análisis social y ambiental de los programas de rescate en Xochimilco
Despite efforts to preserve Xochimilco human activity continues to degrade the area. A study by Azamar Alonso et al. (2019) evaluates the effectiveness of rescue policies and development programs aimed at mitigating this degradation. The research combines social and environmental analysis, including resident experiences, to assess social welfare and identify root causes of ongoing issues. Findings highlight the need for more targeted interventions to address both environmental and social dimensions of heritage conservation in Xochimilco.
Collective Memory and Resistance: Visual explorations in the Historic Centre and Films of Mexico City
This thesis reveals that collective memory and resistance persist in Mexico City's Historic Centre, even amid urban transformations. It identifies two competing landscapes: 'Profane Heritage,' representing popular memory, and official spaces imposed by dominant power structures. Through visual analysis of films from 1919 to 1995 and qualitative interviews, the study demonstrates that these memories coexist across time, resisting erasure through subtle, everyday tactics. The research highlights how informal places of memory endure, allowing inhabitants to defend their identities despite threats from urban projects.
La configuración turística de las periferias urbano-rurales mediante estrategias gubernamentales. El caso de Xochimilco, Ciudad de México
Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the urban-rural periphery of Mexico City, faces complex challenges due to tourism-driven urbanization. This study reveals that government strategies have reshaped its landscape, triggering socio-economic and environmental conflicts. By analyzing historical policies, researchers identify how tourism development has altered territorial dynamics, particularly in peripheral areas like Xochimilco. The findings highlight the need for sustainable planning to address these multifaceted impacts, offering insights for future urban-rural management in similar contexts.
La Mercadotecnia en las Festividades Religiosas Caso: Niñopa, Xochimilco, México
Religious festivals, particularly the Niñopa celebration in Xochimilco, Mexico City, serve as significant economic and cultural drivers through implicit marketing strategies. This study reveals that such festivities generate substantial tourist appeal and financial resources for local communities, while also reinforcing social and cultural identity. The research employed a qualitative, ethnographic, and descriptive approach to analyze the Niñopa festival, highlighting its role in both economic derrama (local income generation) and cultural preservation. Findings underscore the importance of religious celebrations as both economic catalysts and repositories of tradition, offering insights into how empirical marketing practices shape community dynamics within UNESCO-recognized heritage sites.
Loss and social-ecological transformation: pathways of change in Xochimilco, Mexico
Xochimilco faces significant social and ecological transformation driven by urbanization and environmental degradation. Research reveals that despite these challenges, the region exhibits resilience through adaptive governance and community-led initiatives. The study identifies key pathways of change, including shifts in land use, water management, and cultural practices, which have both negative and positive impacts on the site's sustainability. By analyzing historical data, interviews, and participatory mapping, the authors highlight the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific approaches to mitigate loss and foster sustainable development. This work provides critical insights for balancing conservation efforts with the needs of a growing urban population.
Space-Temporal Study in the Protected Natural Area of Xochimilco Lake with Remote Sensing in the Period 1987-2016
A 30-year remote sensing study of Xochimilco Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland, reveals significant changes in vegetation cover and water extent between 1987 and 2016. Using normalized indices (NDVI, NDWI, MNDWI) derived from Landsat satellite data, researchers classified five land-cover types—water, water with vegetation, dry vegetation, watered vegetation, and other materials—with 89% reliability. The findings highlight the environmental challenges facing this internationally recognized conservation area, despite its protected status.
The mythical monster of the lake: the conservation of the axolotl in Xochimilco
Xochimilco's axolotl, once mythologized as a lake monster, stands on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and pollution. This study reveals that only 1% of its historic range remains, with fewer than 200 individuals surviving in isolated canals. Researchers employed genetic analysis and field surveys to assess population viability, identifying critical threats including urbanization and water contamination. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies, such as habitat restoration and pollution control, to prevent the axolotl's disappearance from one of Mexico's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Water quality monitoring in the Xochimilco peri-urban wetland: experiences engaging in citizen science
Despite expectations, water quality in canals near low-impact activities such as agroecological farming and abandoned chinampas in the Xochimilco peri-urban wetland did not consistently meet national and international guidelines for irrigation. Significant seasonal variations were observed in pH (>9), dissolved oxygen (<6.5 mg/L), conductivity (>2000 μS/cm), and Escherichia coli concentrations (>240 CFU/100 mL). The study, involving citizen scientists, analyzed water quality across seven canals and one lake over four years, revealing that narrow, shallow canals with low water flow may exacerbate poor water quality. Only an abandoned agricultural area met most guidelines, highlighting the potential for structural modifications to improve conditions. Citizen science engagement also raised awareness about anthropogenic impacts on this ecologically and culturally significant UNESCO World Heritage Site.
El empleo de fotogrametría mediante vehículos aéreos no tripulados (VANT/dron) como herramienta de evaluación del patrimonio en riesgo: chinampas arqueológicas de Xochimilco
A study demonstrates that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) equipped with specialized cameras can effectively evaluate archaeological features at shallow depths, offering a high-resolution alternative to traditional methods like LIDAR. Researchers used photogrammetry—processing stereopairs of visible light and near-infrared images—to generate digital elevation models and normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) maps. These tools revealed buried traits in the chinampas (floating gardens) of Xochimilco, Mexico, by enhancing differences in vegetation growth and health. The approach provides a cost-effective, scalable solution for assessing at-risk cultural heritage sites.
Promoting agency for social-ecological transformation: a transformation-lab in the Xochimilco social-ecological system
A novel approach to social-ecological transformation is demonstrated through the Xochimilco social-ecological system, showcasing how collaborative agency can drive sustainable change. The study identifies key mechanisms for fostering collective action, including community engagement and adaptive governance, which are critical for addressing environmental degradation while preserving cultural heritage. By analyzing local dynamics, the research highlights the potential of transformation-labs as innovative models for balancing ecological sustainability with social resilience in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Xochimilco.
Reconstrucción paleoambiental de la subcuenca de Xochimilco, centro de México, entre 18000 y 5000 años antes del presente
A paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Xochimilco sub-basin, central Mexico, reveals significant millennial-scale climatic oscillations between 18,000 and 5,000 years ago. The study identifies distinct periods characterized by variations in erosion, iron mineral origins, salinity, productivity, and organic matter sources, linked to deglaciation events such as the Younger Dryas and the Bølling/Allerød warming. During the early Holocene (11,700–8,200 years ago), the region experienced its driest conditions, while the mid-Holocene (8,200–5,000 years ago) saw a return to humid conditions and the establishment of a freshwater lake, likely supporting riverside communities. The research leverages magnetic mineral indicators, major element content, and diatom associations, anchored by two key volcanic ash layers (Pómez Tutti Frutti and Pómez Toluca Superior) and radiocarbon dating.
Rediscovery of the nemertean Prostoma graecense from Xochimilco, 75 years after its first and only record
A freshwater nemertean, Prostoma graecense, previously thought lost to science for 75 years, has been rediscovered in Lake Xochimilco. This finding resolves its long-standing taxonomic identity through combined morphological and molecular analysis, including mitochondrial DNA sequencing. The study suggests the species may have a cosmopolitan distribution, potentially introduced to distant regions from its unknown original range. This rediscovery highlights the importance of integrating molecular data into nemertean research and provides a foundation for future studies on both freshwater and marine species in this group.
Markets of La Merced
The markets of La Merced in Mexico City represent a significant urban frontier, illustrating the tension between modernization and heritage preservation. This study reveals how public policies aimed at modernizing food markets clash with efforts to salvage traditional urban heritage, highlighting the porous yet distinct boundaries separating 'modern' and 'traditional' cityscapes. The research employs theoretical frameworks on urban frontiers to analyze a regeneration model driven by local government and private investors since 2009, which has extended beyond the historic center. It also examines the discourse surrounding public markets in Mexico City, marked by narratives of obsolescence and deterioration, while exploring the megaproject's impact and the stakeholders' perspectives on the La Merced markets.
Percepciones de la degradación ambiental entre vecinos y chinamperos del Lago de Xochimilco, México
The degradation of the biocultural landscape in Xochimilco, Mexico, threatens its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study reveals that local residents and agricultural producers perceive environmental deterioration primarily due to vertical implementation of conservation projects, which often overlook their knowledge and technologies. The research, based on ethnographic methods, underscores the need for inclusive decision-making processes that integrate local insights to align conservation efforts with community perspectives. Without this approach, current policies risk exacerbating rather than mitigating environmental decline.
Sales and survival within the contested acoustic territories of Mexico City's Historic Centre
Street vendors in Mexico City's Historic Centre employ specialized acoustic strategies to navigate the challenges posed by neoliberal economic policies and police crackdowns. These vendors use highly stylized cries (pregones) not only to attract customers but also to claim territory and coordinate evasions, demonstrating a sophisticated relationship between aurality and subaltern resistance. The study reveals that sounds serve as essential tools for survival in contested acoustic territories, highlighting the cultural significance of these practices within Mexico City's soundscape.
Endohelminths of some species of fishes from Lake Xochimilco, Mexico
Research reveals that the helminth fauna of freshwater fishes in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, is notably limited compared to other water bodies in Central Mexico. The study identified five helminth species across eight introduced and one native fish species, including a tapeworm (Schyzocotyle acheilognathi) recorded for the first time in Pseudoxiphophorus jonesii, and metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum minimum and Tylodelphys aztecae, which exhibited the highest prevalence. The goodeid G. atripinnis displayed the richest helminth fauna among the analyzed species. The study hypothesizes that this low diversity may stem from the lake's biotic and abiotic conditions, influenced by pollution, or the relatively recent introduction of fish species, limiting the establishment of additional helminths.
Aislamiento y caracterización de loci de microsatelites en el charal de Xochimilco Chirostoma humboldtianum
Researchers have identified and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the endangered Chirostoma humboldtianum, also known as charal de Xochimilco, a fish species endemic to Mexico's UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco. These genetic markers, derived from an enriched gene library, reveal significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, likely due to small population sizes and habitat loss caused by human disturbances. The loci exhibit high observed (0.61) and expected (0.63) heterozygosity, with allele counts ranging from 3 to 11 per locus. This study represents the first description of microsatellite markers for this species and its genus, offering valuable tools for population genetics research, conservation efforts, and sustainable management strategies.
Algal growth potential and oxidative stress in Ankistrodesmus falcatus exposed to waters from Xochimilco Lake system, México
A study on the water quality of Xochimilco Lake, part of Mexico's UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals significant toxic effects on the native microalgae species Ankistrodesmus falcatus. The research found that water from urban, tourist, and agricultural zones induced oxidative stress in the algae, impairing its antioxidant enzyme activity and growth potential. This spatio-temporal impact of pollution was evident across multiple study periods, highlighting the severe deterioration of water quality in the lake system. The findings underscore the need for urgent intervention to mitigate environmental degradation and protect this critical ecosystem.
Characterization of indole acetic acid endophyte producers in authoctonus Lemna gibba plants from Xochimilco Lake
A study on the Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco reveals that endophytic phytobacteria isolated from Lemna gibba plants exhibit high indole acetic acid (IAA) production, positioning them as promising candidates for biofertilizers. Researchers identified 17 isolates during the dry season and 14 in the rainy season, with seasonal variations influencing bacterial diversity and water quality. The findings contribute to understanding plant-microbial interactions in aquatic ecosystems, particularly within Lemnaceae species, and highlight their potential for mitigating eutrophication while promoting plant growth.
Does Money Fly? The Economic Value of Migratory Birdwatching in Xochimilco, Mexico
Urban wetlands like Xochimilco, Mexico, provide critical rest and sustenance for migratory birds from North America. A study quantifies the economic value of birdwatching in preserving these ecosystems, revealing that national birdwatchers are willing to pay approximately US $79 per year, while international watchers contribute around US $296 annually. These figures translate to an economic value of migratory bird services ranging between US $2836 and US $3999 per hectare. This valuation offers decision-makers a tangible metric for assessing policies or projects that may impact these vital habitats.
Economic Value and Historical Scenic Beauty: The Case of Chinampas (Raised Beds) in Xochimilco, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mexico
Tourists are willing to pay approximately $24.4 annually to preserve the historical scenic beauty of chinampas, a pre-Hispanic agricultural system dating from the 14th to 16th centuries in Xochimilco, Mexico. This study estimates the economic value of preserving this cultural heritage at between US$3000 and US$3700 per hectare using contingent valuation (CV) surveys. The findings highlight the significant monetary value that tourists assign to maintaining such historical landscapes, providing crucial data for policymakers evaluating projects or policies with conflicting objectives. This research is notable for its innovative application of CV to assess the economic value of historical scenic beauty, an area with limited prior literature.
El fitoplancton de un canal de Xochimilco y la importancia de estudiar ecosistemas acuáticos urbanos
A study of phytoplankton in Channel El Bordo, Xochimilco, revealed a diverse composition, including several species not previously recorded in Mexico or the region. Despite significant agricultural activity and environmental alteration, the phytoplankton community exhibited low variation (9-17%) in physicochemical factors, suggesting stability. Researchers identified a functional group of species typical of shallow, tropical, and eutrophic water bodies, which may indicate a stable ecosystem state applicable to remediation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of studying urban aquatic ecosystems with high alteration levels, as accumulated knowledge could be critical for their preservation.
Florística y ecología de diatomeas bentónicas de la zona lacustre de Xochimilco-Tláhuac, México
A comprehensive study of benthic diatoms in the Xochimilco-Tláhuac wetland, Mexico, reveals 91 taxa, a more than 50% increase from previous records. This research highlights the ecological significance of diatom composition, which is closely linked to environmental factors such as silica variation and pH. The study identified dominant species like Nitzschia frustulum and Pseudostaurosira brevistriata, typically found in shallow, eutrophic waters, suggesting their potential use as ecological indicators for monitoring the health of this UNESCO-listed site. By analyzing 13 collections over dry and rainy seasons, the authors established a framework to categorize diatom presence based on habitat fragmentation and local environmental conditions, providing a robust dataset for future conservation efforts.
Is there willingness to buy and pay a surcharge for agro‐ecological products? Case study of the production of vegetables in Xochimilco, Mexico
Consumers in Mexico show willingness to pay a premium for agro-ecological products, challenging the notion that such farming is incompatible with market-driven systems. This study, focusing on vegetable production in Xochimilcoreveals that demand for sustainable alternatives depends on socio-economic factors like age, income, and gender, as well as access to product information. Buyers are also open to compensating producers for adopting eco-friendly practices, suggesting a viable market for agro-ecology even in resource-limited regions. The research combines survey data with economic analysis to assess consumer behavior, offering insights that could reshape agricultural sustainability strategies globally.
Microalgas del Área Natural Protegida Ejidos de Xochimilco y San Gregorio Atlapulco, México
A comprehensive inventory of microalgae in the protected areas of Xochimilco and San Gregorio Atlapulco, Mexico City, identifies 370 species, with notable contributions from Chlorophytes (36%), Euglenophytes (24%), Diatoms (24%), Cyanobacteria (12%), Dinoflagellates (3%), and Chromophytes (1%). Among these, toxic blooming species like Microcystis aeruginosa and Peridinium willei were detected, highlighting the need for ecological monitoring to mitigate potential harm. The study employed exhaustive bibliographic reviews for Xochimilco and field sampling in San Gregorio Atlapulco using a 54 µm mesh net and Van Dorn bottle, preserving samples with formalin (4%) and Lugol's solution (1%). This research underscores the region's microalgal diversity while emphasizing the urgency of further ecological studies to safeguard these UNESCO-listed ecosystems.
Una ocupación del periodo de agricultura temprana en xochimilco (CA. 4200-4000 A.N.E.)
Archaeological evidence from Xochimilco, part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco, reveals early agricultural occupation dating back to approximately 4200-4000 BCE. This discovery sheds light on pre-ceramic societies in the Valley of Mexico, which have been largely overlooked despite their significance in understanding the origins of agriculture and permanent settlements. The study, conducted by McClung de Tapia and Acosta Ochoa (2015), employs systematic analysis to evaluate the role of these early societies in shaping the development of complex social structures, urbanism, and state formation in Mesoamerica. By integrating findings from this region with those from adjacent areas like Teotihuacán, the research contributes to a broader narrative of societal evolution in one of the most pivotal regions of pre-Columbian history.
Water quality in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico: zooplankton indicators and Vibrio cholerae
Lake Xochimilco, a eutrophic water body in Mexico City, exhibits severe contamination with high levels of phosphorus (2.5–7.8 mg/L) and chlorophyll a (66–136 µg/L), alongside the presence of toxigenic (Vibrio cholerae No-O1/No-O139) and non-toxigenic strains closely associated with littoral zooplankton such as Brachionus quadridentatus. Saprobic indices (1.5–2.0) and low species diversity (~2 bits/ind.) indicate β meso-saprobic conditions, signaling degraded water quality. The study analyzed monthly samples from two sites (Lake Xaltocan and Santa Cruz Canal) over eight months in 2012, assessing zooplankton diversity, bacterial concentrations, and physico-chemical variables. Findings underscore the need for urgent improvements to address eutrophication and public health risks linked to water contamination.
Axolotl: el Autêntico Monstruo del Lago de Xochimilco
The Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a unique amphibian with remarkable adaptations, including the retention of larval features throughout its lifetime and the ability to regenerate lost body parts. This study highlights the axolotl's dual aquatic-terrestrial lifestyle, its diet ranging from zooplankton in larval stages to small fish and insects in adulthood, and its vulnerability due to over-exploitation for medicinal purposes. The research also notes the axolotl's timid behavior and preference for sheltered habitats, contributing to its endangered status. The study emphasizes the significance of the axolotl as a key species in the ecosystem of Xochimilco, Mexico City, while acknowledging its declining population due to human activities.
La Sustentabilidad Agrícola de las Chinampas en el Valle de México: Caso Xochimilco
Chinampas, the ancient agricultural system of Xochimilco in Mexico City's Valley, demonstrate remarkable sustainability by integrating native ecosystems with long-standing social and cultural practices. This study reveals that chinampas support environmental, social, and economic resilience through shallow-water lake agriculture, family labor integration, self-employment, and food autonomy. However, their viability is threatened by modern agricultural technologies, urban expansion, and water pollution. The research employs a FODA (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) diagnosis to highlight the system's ecological and cultural significance while identifying key challenges.
Spaniards in the Nahua City of Xochimilco: Colonial Society and Cultural Change in Central Mexico, 1650–1725
A pivotal transition in colonial society occurred in Xochimilco, Mexico, by 1650, marking the end of Nahua dynastic rule. Don Martín Cerón y Alvarado, a noble and governor of Xochimilco, was the last to hold the title of tlatoani, signaling the erosion of indigenous authority under Spanish colonial influence. The study analyzes his codicil and will—written in Nahuatl—to reveal cultural shifts during this period (1650–1725). By examining legal documents, it demonstrates how Spanish municipal reforms and demographic changes reshaped Xochimilco's social hierarchy, eroding indigenous governance while preserving elements of its pre-colonial identity. This research highlights the complex interplay between colonial policies and local traditions in a UNESCO-listed site renowned for its agricultural significance.
Comparación de técnicas para la extracción de bacterias coliformes del sedimento del lago de Xochimilco, México
Researchers found that the use of ampicillin significantly increased the concentration of total coliform bacteria extracted from Xochimilco Lake sediment compared to traditional methods like manual shaking, homogenization, and ultrasonication. This suggests that ampicillin could be an effective technique for extracting coliforms, though its potential impact on bacterial sensitivity must be considered. The study compared multiple extraction techniques, including the use of enzymes (pancreatine) and surfactants, but only ampicillin showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.03). Samples were collected from Xochimilco Lake in Mexico City, with the most probable number of coliform bacteria determined after applying each technique.
Genealogía de doña Francisca de Guzmán, Xochimilco, 1610
A rare 17th-century genealogy document traces the lineage of Doña Francisca de Guzmán, a noblewoman from Xochimilco, back to the reigning family of Tenochtitlan in the 14th century. This primary source, published by anthropologist Luis Reyes, offers unprecedented insights into the continuity of indigenous nobility during the transition from the Aztec Empire to Spanish colonial rule. By analyzing the document's historical and linguistic details, Reyes reconstructs a lost segment of pre-Hispanic and early colonial social history, bridging the gap between indigenous governance and post-conquest records.
Los señores de Xochimilco en 1548
A rare Colonial-era legal document from Xochimilco, near Mexico City, reveals critical insights into the land tenure system and sociopolitical dynamics of the region's native lords during the early Spanish conquest. The 1548 text, analyzed by Dr. Carrasco, details the lands and tribute obligations of three key divisions—Tepetenchi, Tecpan, and Olac—offering unprecedented clarity on both pre-Conquest cacique governance and the transition to Colonial administration. The study leverages archival legal records to reconstruct historical economic structures and power relations, bridging gaps in our understanding of this pivotal period.
Environmental and socio-economic sustainability ofchinampas(raised beds) in Xochimilco, Mexico City
Greenhouses, while more profitable and diverse, cannot replace the irreplaceable ecosystem services provided by chinampas in Xochimilco, Mexico City. A study comparing both systems using the MESMIS framework found that greenhouses, though economically advantageous, lead to significant environmental degradation—including tree cover loss and canal filling—while relying heavily on external inputs and subsidies. Chinampas, traditionally used for staple crops but now shifted toward commercial horticulture, offer sustainable food production without such dependencies. However, their long-term viability depends on urgent compensation mechanisms for ecosystem services. The research integrated farm-level surveys with GIS techniques, providing a comprehensive valuation framework that could guide future sustainability policies.
Lakes, Canoes, and the Aquatic Communities of Xochimilco and Chalco, New Spain
Canoes were central to the aquatic societies of Lakes Xochimilco and Chalco, enabling Nahuas to sustain diverse economic activities and integrate commercially with Mexico City. This historical study reveals how canoe transportation facilitated cross-cultural exchanges, shaped regional economies, and allowed Nahuas to navigate colonial institutions while preserving their prosperity. By analyzing the role of waterways in pre-colonial and colonial New Spain, the research highlights the strategic importance of aquatic infrastructure in sustaining lakeside communities and their economic resilience.
Caecidotea xochimilca (Isopoda, Asellidae), a new species from Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, with a key to Mexican species of the genus Caecidotea
Scientists have identified and described Caecidotea xochimilca, a new species of freshwater isopod (Isopoda, Asellidae) from Lake Xochimilco, Mexico City. This discovery expands the known biodiversity of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco, a site renowned for its unique aquatic ecosystems. The research distinguishes C. xochimilca from two other Mexican species—C. williamsi and C. puebla—through key morphological traits, including differences in male pereopod structures, antennal aesthetasc patterns, body proportions, and pleopodal setae counts. A diagnostic key for Mexican Caecidotea species is also provided, aiding future taxonomic studies. The findings contribute to the understanding of aquatic invertebrate diversity in this culturally significant and ecologically rich World Heritage Site.
Modelo de intervención social y ambiente: el caso de algunos barrios antiguos de Xochimilco / Social and Environmental Intervention Model: The Case of Certain Old Neighborhoods in Xochimilco
A social and environmental intervention model, tested through surveys in two neighborhoods of Xochimilco between 2007 and 2008, revealed limited effectiveness in addressing pollution from garbage and sewage in the canals. The study found that despite efforts like the 'No More Garbage' program, contamination persisted due to irregular settlements in the chinampa zone. The research proposes an alternative approach centered on environmental education, emphasizing the link between socio-environmental problems and quality of life. This strategy aims to engage communities more effectively by framing pollution as a threat to their well-being, potentially leading to more sustainable solutions.
Evaluación espacial y temporal de la diversidad de los ascomicetes dulceacuícolas del canal turístico Santa Cruz, Xochimilco, México
A study of the Santa Cruz canal, a key tourist site in Xochimilco, Mexico, revealed that freshwater ascomycete diversity is highest in less urbanized areas with more vegetation, such as nursery zones, and lowest near heavily trafficked docks. Seasonal variations also play a significant role, with rainfall periods showing reduced fungal diversity likely due to environmental disturbances. Researchers used wooden blocks submerged for eight weeks across four stations with varying urbanization levels, measuring physicochemical parameters and bacterial load to assess diversity using Shannon and Sørensen indices. The findings highlight the impact of urbanization and seasonal changes on aquatic fungal ecosystems in this UNESCO-listed heritage site.
Los insectos de Xochimilco alimento de alto contenido en proteínas
Xochimilco, a historic region with deep cultural and nutritional significance, harbors over 20 species of edible insects, five of which exhibit exceptionally high protein content (45.25–60.75%), including essential amino acids. These insects—gusanos de tepozán, gusanillos de nopal, capulmimichis, picudo de nopal, and gusanos de maíz—are consumed in larval stages, offering a temporally available yet nutrient-dense alternative to traditional staples like maize and beans. The study highlights their balanced macronutrient profile, meeting dietary requirements while reflecting indigenous culinary practices dating back to pre-Hispanic times. This research underscores the untapped potential of Xochimilco’s biodiversity as both a historical food source and a sustainable protein solution for modern diets.
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