Conservation and sustainable development of the Xochimilco and Milpa Alta heritage area (Xochilmilco)

The Xochimilco, Tláhuac and Milpa Alta heritage area is vital to Mexico’s ecological balance. It was classed a World Heritage Site in 1987 because of its archaeological sites, unique farming system and the rich biodiversity. From regulating the atmosphere, to recharging groundwater reserves, providing flood protection, and emphasising cultural and touristic importance, the heritage area provides many services that are essential for a highly vulnerable city.

In the absence of adequate organised development, and faced with increasing urban pressure, its future is at risk.

The project is organised into four components :

• A strategic and coherent development plan for the heritage area, as some actors act independently of each other. This is why it is necessary to define a joint strategy based on thorough knowledge of the area’s vulnerability. The project proposes a concerted planning approach based on a collective assessment, leading to the commitment of every participant through a signed agreement.
• Protection and promotion of the natural and cultural heritage : implementing rapid and concrete responses to local challenges. This has three aspects: developing integrated traditional farming, promoting the ecosystem and promoting the cultural heritage.
• Cooperation, participation and valorisation : encouraging public participation in the project by setting up a special local committee.
• Project management : this involves taking action to develop stronger local capabilities of the Office for the Natural and Cultural World Heritage Site of Xochimilco, Tláhuac and Milpa Alta (OHA), and to encourage capitalisation and national and international dialogue on the project.
   

• Within the Federal District, promotion of the idea that the area is the last green heartland of this size in Mexico City, and a defence against the harmful effects of climate change.
• A stronger Office for the Natural and Cultural World Heritage Site of Xochimilco, Tláhuac and Milpa Alta.
• Better practice and implementation of an integrated strategy taking into account the multi-dimensional (or multi-disciplinary) nature of a comprehensive plan for the area, that is guided by socioeconomic, environmental and heritage demands.

The project supported by the FFEM is innovative in that it fully integrates the wetland into the urban space, notably through the use of pioneering land-use planning tools. This approach has been made possible by the emergence of new coordination mechanisms between local public institutions. These actors are now working in a more integrated manner to restore wetland systems and promote the environmental regeneration of Mexico City — a genuine opportunity for the future of the ZSCE and the city’s wetlands.

The investment made by the three partner institutions is designed to be sustained over the medium term. It aims to restore the area’s environmental conditions to enable better use by residents and visitors alike, while also contributing to improved social well-being.