Mexico City Launches Fall 2025 Biodiversity Challenge

Mexico City’s Environment Ministry (SEDEMA) announced the start of the fall 2025 edition of the Naturalist Challenge, an international citizen science event aimed at recording the largest possible number of wild species observations on the iNaturalist platform. 

The biannual event seeks to strengthen public participation in biodiversity monitoring. Organizers noted that the fall edition is particularly important because it allows the identification of species that reemerge after the rainy season.

On Oct. 1, SEDEMA held a practice session at the Xochimilco Ecological Park, a site recognized for its environmental value. During the event, Roberto Castillo, Head of the General Coordination of Environmental Policy and Culture, SEDEMA, highlighted that this type of activity contributes to citizen science and reminds us that only what is known can be conserved. Alejandra Atzín, Director of Environmental Culture, SEDEMA, added that more than 40 activities are scheduled across the city and that residents can access a digital map with routes and observation points.

Throughout the challenge, guided tours will be offered in collaboration with SEDEMA specialists and staff from the participating boroughs. The city aims to surpass the 13,700 observations recorded during the spring 2025 edition.

Activities will be held in environmental culture centers, natural protected areas, urban ravines, conservation lands, community gardens and museums, including the Museum of Natural History and Environmental Culture in Chapultepec. Sites in the boroughs of Azcapotzalco, Miguel Hidalgo, Tlahuac and Milpa Alta will also serve as observation points.

The event underscores the role of both conservation lands and urban green spaces as biodiversity refuges. According to the Mexico City government, the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to conserving, recognizing, and valuing its natural heritage.