• ecological restoration
• historic
• open space

The Xochimilco Ecological Park is an effort to restore the Valley of Mexico's physical and cultural heritage. Drawing over 50,000 visitors per weekend, the park is a vital component of an initiative covering 3,000 hectares, including 150 kilometers of canals, lagoons, and 700 hectares of reclaimed agricultural fields. Among the interventions are the construction of two tertiary-treatment plants, runoff collectors, and the revival of flower and garden crop production, creating the nation's largest flower market with almost 2,000 stalls. The historical significance of Xochimilco dates back to the Aztec era, with a remarkable system of floating gardens known as chinampas. However, rapid urbanization led to the destruction of this cultural and ecological legacy. In the 1980s, the threat of complete loss loomed large. Yet, recent years have witnessed a transformative shift, with Xochimilco and the city center symbolizing renewal, managed growth, and environmental responsibility. The Xochimilco Ecological Recovery Project emerged as a holistic program addressing water rehabilitation, agricultural recovery, archaeological restoration, tourism planning, and commercial development while involving diverse stakeholders. The project aimed to restore the lake area ecosystem, secure the valley's water supply, and reactivate the traditional hydroagricultural system of chinampas. With a budget of $400 million from 1989-1993, the initiative funded various aspects, including irrigation, public works, and infrastructure development. The recovery efforts incorporated conservation measures, designating 2,657 hectares as a national conservation area and constructing regulatory reservoirs and sewage treatment plants. Reforestation initiatives, assisted by the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund, established nurseries responsible for producing 30 million trees annually. Archaeological collaboration with the National Institute of Anthropology and History identified and protected 40 sites, unearthing artifacts dating from 700 to 1500 AD. The Xochimilco Ecological Park - 165 hectares - includes a visitor center, a botanical garden, and a recreational lake. Beyond its historical and cultural significance, the Xochimilco Ecological Park stands as a present and future-focused space, addressing the contemporary needs and aspirations of the community. Additionally, the project generated employment, with 3,000 indirect jobs during implementation and 7,000 permanent jobs in various sectors. The project's success lies in its interdisciplinary collaboration, involving historians, archaeologists, botanists, engineers, and the active participation of the local community. As a result, Xochimilco not only preserves its past but also serves as a dynamic, sustainable space that aligns with the city's evolving identity and environmental consciousness.