Rehabilitation of Sierra de Guadalupe Natural Protected Area

Rehabilitation of Sierra de Guadalupe Natural Protected Area - ©

Rehabilitation of Sierra de Guadalupe Natural Protected Area

Status

completed

City

Mexico City

Main actors

City Government, Community / Citizen Group

Project area

Metropolitan Area

Duration

2019 - 2021

The Socio-environmental Rehabilitation of Natural Protected Areas (NPAs) aims to address the environmental degradation of areas that remain relatively unaltered or have minimal damage, as well as those with ecological conditions requiring restoration and preservation. Initiatives within these areas include revegetation using native species and the development of green infrastructure, implemented with a socio-environmental perspective in mind. This approach encourages citizens to engage with the city's natural heritage through cultural activities, sports, recreation, and environmental education, fostering a greater appreciation for these invaluable natural assets.

For further information about the case study, click here.

Sustainable Development Goals

City information

City

Mexico City, Mexico

Size and population development

The population of Mexico City was recorded at approximately 8.9 million in 2015. The Greater City of Mexico recorded a population of approximately 21.6 million in 2018 and is expected to reach in excess of 23 million by 2030 according to the UN populations forecast. The City has great inequalities, with areas of affluence and conspicuous consumption existing nearby areas plagued with water born gastrointestinal infections, while air pollution affects all inhabitants of the valley City, with respiratory illnesses being a major issue.

Population composition

Of the millions who call Mexico City home, a significant amount of them belong to Mexico’s many indigenous peoples, including Nahuatl, Otomi, Mixtec, Zapotec and Mazahau. Additionally, the city is home to many expatriates and immigrants, largely from the Americans, North, Central and South, as well as the Caribbean. The average age is of 33 years.

Main functions

Mexico City is the oldest capital city in the American continent and one of the most economically active centres. The city extends across 607.22 square kilometres and is located in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. It houses many of the country’s most prestigious cultural and educational centres, including universities such as UNAM and IPN, as well as theatres, libraries, operas, stadiums and auditoriums. The city also boasts many archaeological sites and museums that expose the pre-Hispanic heritage of the city, over which the Spanish conquerors imposed their new capital. Other sites of touristic and religious importance, like the main Cathedral at the Zócalo plaza (where the National and local governments are located), are examples of the Baroque and Neoclassical architecture styles that marked the city.

Main industries / business

Mexico City is undoubtedly the economic centre of the country, contributing 17 percent of the national GDP. Tertiary sector industries (services) comprehend almost 90 percent of the annual GDP, with the city excelling in the commercial and financial sectors (Mexico City houses the headquarters of most of the banks in the country, as well as the Mexican Stock Exchange). Other main industries include media companies, transport (privatized airlines and bus companies), and government activities.

Sources for city budget

Drawn from a progressive income tax, Mexico City’s budget is decided by the local Legislative Assembly, and the ceiling of public debt agreed upon by the Chamber of the Union, the legislative power of the Federal Government.

Political structure

Until the year of 2016, Mexico City was a Federal District, and one of the thirty-two entities into which the country is divided. In its search for autonomy from the ruling of Federal government over local situations, the city promoted changes in the national constitution that have altered its status and name since the year 2016. Now, Mexico City has become an autonomous entity with its own political constitution. The main differences from its previous status has to do with modifications in governance: the city now has 16 mayoralties belonging to each of the sixteen boroughs; and the Legislative Assembly was transformed into a Local Council with the same inherence in Federal decisions as every other state in the country. The City’s head is elected by popular vote and is charged with choosing the chief of police and the Attorney General, a task previously carried out by the President of the Republic.

Administrative structure

Mexico City is divided into 16 delegaciones, or boroughs, for administrative purposes. The boroughs are not equivalent to municipalities, yet they possess administrative structures comparable to these. In each borough, the mayors are tasked with ensuring that the necessary utilities and services are provided. The poorer boroughs are in constant struggle due to the lack of potable water, dignified housing, and medical services. The boroughs must answer to the head of government who represents its executive branch, and local councils must approval their budgets.

Website

https://www.cdmx.gob.mx/

Background and objectives

This project is a priority program of the Special Green Infrastructure Program for Mexico City (PEIV-CDMX). The project aims to improve the quality of life for citizens and create a more sustainable and resilient city, by implementing projects with environmental solutions and linking academia, private initiatives, government and citizens to address the following:

Adaptation and mitigation to the effects of climate change.
Biodiversity conservation and biological connectivity.
Reuse and sustainable use of water.
Reduction of flood and/or landslide risks
The enjoyment of nature
The increase of green areas
Restoration of deteriorated and/or precarious spaces.
The articulation of urban and rural dynamics.

Implementation

This project creates community spaces in order to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and promote the conservation of the NPA, with actions including: socio-environmental recovery, creation of public green areas, stabilization and reforestation of slopes, themed walkways, observation points for flora and fauna, display gardens, water recovery and management strategies such as wetlands and dams, educational pavilion and recreation areas.

The social component is one of the most important axes of socio-environmental intervention, along with an awareness-raising program for users living near the NPA.

Activities carried out include site analysis-diagnosis, mapping of potential sites for the green infrastructure solution, preparation of executive projects, execution and implementation of infrastructure, as well as identification of stakeholders and strategic allies, socialization strategy with (participatory) dialogue workshops to present the project, its objectives and benefits.

Financing and resources

Resources are provided by the Mexico City Public Environmental Fund, administered by the Secretariat of the Environment of Mexico City. The financial investment in this project was 47.60 million pesos (around 2.5 million USD).

Results and impacts

While there is no formal study available, it is worth noting that all implemented projects prioritize accessibility, support for vulnerable populations, gender equity, and safety as central design principles. Additionally, these projects focus on biodiversity conservation, enhancing biological interactions like pollination and seed dispersal, and promoting increased environmental services. These efforts contribute to the balance of ecosystems and the overall health of the environment.

Barriers and challenges

Disagreements with the community and different stakeholders.
Design of spaces that, when presented at the workshops, are perceived as spaces that violate the safety of neighbors.
Vandalism of the facilities, such as theft of materials and graffiti.
Increase in unregulated informal commerce.
Increase in pollutants due to the use of motorized vehicles, which can impact the soil.
Negative impacts from the production of solid waste during construction.
Loss of infiltration areas, moisture and biodiversity.
Land tenure
Irregular settlements
Forest fires.
Floods, overflow irrigation areas and soil loss.
High maintenance costs in short periods.
Social vulnerability to extraordinary events.
Constant need for investment for the monitoring and maintenance of green areas and built spaces.

Lessons learned and transferability

Relevance of intersectoral work.
The establishment of a dedicated green infrastructure program for the city allows for prioritized actions to address existing issues and prevent future problems through a systemic and multifunctional approach. This strategy helps combat ecosystem fragmentation and the loss of environmental services, ultimately contributing to a more equitable urban environment.
The possibility of strengthening interactions and biological diversity, connectivity and ecosystem quality