SEDEMA Pursues More Nature-Based Actions in Mexico City

Mexico City’s Ministry of the Environment (SEDEMA) highlighted the significant strides it has taken to promote biodiversity and sustainability in the Mexican capital. On the International Day for Biological Diversity, SEDEMA explained that through nature-based actions, the city has managed to create green and blue veins within its urban landscape, establishing life corridors that foster a bond between species and people, allowing the latter to maintain a connection with nature. 

SEDEMA has introduced various initiatives to restore environmental balance: the expansion of green spaces, the creation of pollinator gardens and wetlands, the construction of new parks, and the rehabilitation of Protected Natural Areas and Environmental Value Areas. These combined efforts have significantly improved and expanded the available habitat for wildlife, leading to sightings of species such as the American lynx, gray fox, coyote and long-nosed bat in the city, reports SEDEMA via a press release.

One of the strategic pillars of the Environmental and Climate Change Program, implemented since 2019, is the enhancement and expansion of the city's green areas through the Green Challenge, which aims to revegetate Mexico City by creating more public spaces that welcome nature to mitigate the effects of climate change.

To increase and improve vegetation in urban and rural areas, as well as in Protected Natural Areas, Environmental Value Areas and Conservation Land, the current administration set a target to plant over 10 million trees and other plants. SEDEMA highlighted that the goal was surpassed, with the city having placed over 35 million plants to date.

SEDEMA highlighted that Mexico City is regarded as a “city of the future” that embraces sustainability and nature. The ministry explained that 16 new green areas totaling 1,500 hectares have been created in disadvantaged zones. It has also developed over 800 pollinator gardens, with a particular emphasis on training women as gardeners. The ministry also highlighted the creation of 32 wetlands to increase biodiversity and the introduction of 42 additional bird species.

SEDEMA highlighted that it is now more common to observe butterflies, bees, bumblebees and hummingbirds pollinating flowers in gardens, and other wild species in natural areas throughout the city.

The Biodiversity Monitoring Program of Mexico City in Protected Natural Areas and Environmental Value Areas also aids to assess the diversity of fungi, flora and fauna to inform decisions regarding preservation, care and surveillance. It also works to update management programs for these spaces and has focused on the conservation of the mountain stream salamander, a threatened and endangered species, highlighted SEDEMA.