Indigenous Communities Deliver Bosque de Agua Conservation Plan

Indigenous representatives from the communities of San Cristobal Texcalucan and Magdalena Chichicaspa, Huixquilucan, and San Francisco Chimalpan, Naucalpan, delivered the Xänthe Dehe del Alto Otomí Initiative document to the Congress of the State of Mexico. This initiative outlines measures to protect the Bosque de Agua, a critical ecological region spanning over 250,000ha across 37 municipalities in the State of Mexico, Mexico City, and Morelos, benefiting 20 million people.

The representatives were accompanied by legislator Leticia Mejía, PRI Deputy and Chair of the Commission on Indigenous Affairs. Mejía stated that this action supports the metropolitan agreement signed by Governor Delfina Gómez with the governments of Mexico City and Morelos on Jan. 7, 2025 which seeks to advance the conservation of the Water Forest. Mejía committed to fostering dialogue with relevant authorities to ensure Indigenous communities are included in conservation efforts.

The document proposes actions for forest conservation, wildfire prevention, soil preservation, water infiltration and collection, and pest and disease management. Santiago Alberto Lecumberri, Representative, Indigenous Council of Magdalena Chichicaspa, emphasized the importance of collaboration between all levels of government, indigenous communities, and the general public.

The document follows a meeting convened by Mejía, where indigenous representatives and legislators, including Mariano Camacho, Lilia Urbina, both from PRI, and Miriam Silva from the Green Party (PVEM), discussed strategies for protecting the region. Silva, Chair of the Legislative Commission on Water Resources, suggested that new regulations be developed in Congress to address water conservation needs effectively.