SEDEMA Documents Biodiversity in Chapultepec Forest

Mexico City’s Ministry of Environment (SEDEMA), in collaboration with UNAM, launched the first "BioBlitz" in Chapultepec Forest. The 24-hour event aims to document the biodiversity in the park’s First Section.

In partnership with UNAM’s Institutes of Ecology and Biology y Escuela de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, SEDEMA organized the event to register the diversity of species within Chapultepec. Marina Robles, Minister, SEDEMA, emphasized the significance of this initiative as a model for other cities to follow. "Chapultepec deserves this, and it sets an example for other cities and spaces to conduct similar exercises," she said. 

Robles highlighted that the findings from BioBlitz will contribute to the forest’s updated management program, which has been recently renewed as part of the Chapultepec, Nature and Culture project. This project, spanning six years, focuses on improving environmental conditions and restoring the infrastructure within the park, including an expansion of 180ha in the Fourth Section.

Rodrigo Medellín, Researcher, UNAM, stated that BioBlitz seeks to identify the various plants, animals, and fungi inhabiting the forest. He noted the importance of reconnecting visitors, particularly children and youth, with nature. "The hidden motive behind this is to help people fall in love with Chapultepec’s nature again, to understand the plants and animals that share the air we breathe when we visit Chapultepec," Medellín said. He emphasized the need for society to regain its connection with nature, particularly in an era dominated by digital devices.

Clementina Equihua, Science Communicator, UNAM’s Institute of Ecology, added that all observations recorded during BioBlitz would be added to the iNaturalistMX network. She explained that the goal of this educational process is to document the biodiversity of Chapultepec’s First Section, raising awareness and supporting better decision-making for the park’s conservation.

Patricia Magaña, Science Communicator, UNAM’s Institute of Biology, concluded that this effort would enrich the 14 national biodiversity collections held by the institute. "It will enrich not only the understanding of those who work here but also the public’s awareness of the nature they live alongside," she said.