Sustainable Chinampas, Refuges in Xochimilco, Mexico

The initiative aims to restore and conserve the chinampa system through the Chinamparefugio model, which includes the reconditioning of canals with gates featuring natural filters and the revitalization of traditional food production.

Context of the story

One of the key innovations of the project lies in the integration of advanced agronomic practices while preserving ancestral chinampa knowledge. Additionally, an organizational and market approach has been incorporated through the "Etiqueta Chinampera" label, aimed at positioning and differentiating products from these areas in the market, promoting clean, agrochemical-free production, contributing to biodiversity conservation, improving landowners' economic conditions, and promoting urban agriculture. Essentially, the project serves not only as an ecological and cultural conservation strategy but also as a driving force for sustainable and fair economic activity. In a scenario where the balance between sustainability, tradition, and innovation is crucial.

Xochimilco Reborn: Innovation and Sustainability in the Chinampas

The Implemented Initiative

The project, located in the iconic Xochimilco wetland and extending to San Gregorio Atlapulco, has evolved over more than a decade and is now in its sixth phase. Led by the Ecological Restoration Laboratory of UNAM’s Biology Institute, it collaborates with chinampa producers and is supported by various government entities. The initiative focuses on restoring canals using natural filters and revitalizing traditional chinampa farming. The “Chinampera Label” promotes sustainable agrochemical-free production, preserving biodiversity and improving local farmers’ livelihoods.

Sustainable Innovation for the Preservation of the Chinampa System and Agricultural Revitalization of Xochimilco

The technological solution

The proposed solution focuses on restoring and conserving the chinampa system through the "Chinampa-refugio" model, which integrates modern technology with ancestral knowledge. Canals are reconditioned using gates with natural filters, improving water quality and preventing the invasion of exotic species. Additionally, agroecological production, free of agrochemicals, is promoted under the "Chinampera Label," ensuring sustainable, high-quality products. This strategy not only protects biodiversity but also improves local farmers' livelihoods and revitalizes urban agriculture in Xochimilco.

“I am excited about what the future holds and hope that more people will join this noble cause. Because at the end of the day, we are not just growing vegetables, we are growing hope.”

— Cresencio Hernández Flores

Loading map...

Type of project

Bioeconomía

Forestry

Agroturismo

Bioeconomía

Bioeconomy

Results

El proyecto "Chinampa refugio en Xochimilco" ha logrado rehabilitar condiciones naturales, fortalecer la biodiversidad e impulsar la producción agrícola sostenible. Su éxito sugiere que puede replicarse en otras regiones, siempre que se adapten las prácticas locales y se continúe con la capacitación. Además, es crucial mejorar la formación agronómica y las estrategias de marketing para ampliar el alcance de la "Etiqueta Chinampera". Alianzas estratégicas y una evaluación continua asegurarán su viabilidad y sostenibilidad a largo plazo.