Sustainable Urban Transformation at Lago de Texcoco

In March 2022, Lago de Texcoco was designated as a Natural Resource Protection Area. This designation covers 11% of the urban sprawl of the Valley of Mexico and ensures the conservation of its natural resources for future generations. The initiative reflects a broader movement toward sustainable development, in line with Iñaki Echeverria, General Director, Parque Ecológico Lago de Texcoco, who describes it as "soft infrastructure" for urban environments.

Echeverría argues that traditional urban development has focused primarily on “hard infrastructure”. He emphasizes the necessity of transitioning to “soft infrastructure,” noting that cities are defined not only by their physical boundaries but also by their extensive influence. “We have always understood cities by their limits, but in reality, they are defined by the shadow they cast, which can be immense. For instance, ancient Rome had to colonize much of the Mediterranean to sustain itself. Although today’s cities do not physically colonize their surroundings, they still have a significant impact through pollution,” he explained.

This transition is crucial, as Echeverría points out that by 2100, over 95% of the global population is expected to reside in urban areas. Additionally, the global population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, necessitating at least a 70% increase in food production—a challenge exacerbated by water scarcity affecting agricultural sustainability. “Echeverría asserts that we cannot continue to inhabit the planet in the same manner as in the past,” he added.

Highlighting the need to reevaluate urban development strategies, Echeverría notes that solutions based on soft infrastructure are 50% more cost-effective than traditional approaches and typically yield 30% more added value. However, despite these benefits, soft infrastructure remains significantly underfunded.

In 2021, only 0.3% of total infrastructure spending was allocated to soft infrastructure projects, revealing a substantial disparity between their potential benefits and actual investments. Echeverría stresses the necessity for a shift in priorities to foster more sustainable and efficient urban spaces for the future. “Fortunately, when things are done poorly, it creates numerous opportunities,” he remarked.

Echeverría highlighted that the Texcoco Lake Ecological Park exemplifies the vision of soft infrastructure, showcasing how reimagined design can facilitate the coexistence of built and natural environments.

According to the federal government, the Texcoco Lake Ecological Park is essential for ensuring the environmental sustainability of the Valley of Mexico, aiming to maintain the region as a livable space for the next century. This initiative embodies a deep commitment to balancing the natural, social, and urban systems that once thrived together. “This project allows us to envision a more compassionate future for the inhabitants of the Valley of Mexico, especially the most vulnerable, at a time when the repercussions of climate change are increasingly apparent,” stated a community representative.

Covering over 14,300 hectares, the Texcoco Lake Ecological Park will incorporate various “green” and “blue” infrastructure elements, integrating sustainable water management with the conservation and restoration of natural habitats. The project will focus on enhancing environmental services, or the benefits that ecosystems provide to humans and the environment. Of this area, 4,800 hectares are set to open to the public soon, with further developments in progress.

Currently, municipalities in the area have only 1.7 m² of green space per resident, a figure projected to increase by 2.6 times to 4.7 m² per person. The park will also double the available sports facilities within a 15 km radius. Once fully operational, it is anticipated to attract 9 million visitors annually.

Additionally, the park is expected to help regulate temperatures in the Valley of Mexico, which is located in one of the region's most prominent heat islands. It will also mitigate dust storms and enhance water management during heavy rainfall. The wetlands in the area, recognized under the international RAMSAR Convention for their global significance, will be restored and safeguarded. Wetlands, despite their limited global coverage, host 40% of the planet's biodiversity and are highly effective carbon sinks, often outperforming tropical forests such as the Amazon.