Mexico City Reports Recovery of 2 Million m2 of Green Land

The Mexico City government reported the recovery of 2.03 million m2 of green land in the first half of the year as part of its Zero Growth strategy to protect and restore the city’s green soil. The plan aims to prevent further urban expansion into ecologically sensitive areas.

Mayor Clara Brugada emphasized the importance of green soil as the ecological heart of the city, noting it filters 70% of the water supplying the city’s aquifers and harbors 2% of global biodiversity. Julia Álvarez, Minister of the Environment, highlighted that 76% of Mexico City’s territory is protected under the Environmental Law’s categories, including Green Areas and Conservation Soil.

The strategy involves detection, containment, prevention and institutional action. Satellite monitoring covers 1,047 quadrants, allowing weekly detection of illegal construction and enabling rapid response to reclaim occupied land. More than 10,000 public servants from 15 agencies participate in coordinated operations led by the Green Soil Cabinet.

Mexico City’s Green Soil represents 59% of its territory, with over 88,000ha of Conservation Soil. This land plays a key role in environmental balance by capturing 70% of the city’s water consumption, absorbing carbon, preventing landslides and protecting significant biodiversity, lakes, wetlands, rivers and natural protected areas.

Since 2018, the Altépetl program has invested historically significant funds annually to maintain and sustainably use the city’s natural resources. This year, the program allocated over MX$562 million (US$30.04 million) to strengthen firefighting brigades, equip personnel and pay environmental service providers including forest guardians and local communities.

The strategy also promotes the commercialization of Conservation Soil products, such as plants and food, through networks like Red Centli and Mercados de la Tierra. Agreements with associations including ANTAD, CANIRAC, and the Hotel Association support distribution. Plans include developing at least 20 ecotourism parks by 2030 under community management to benefit local residents. The Adopt a Park Alegría program involves ornamental plant producers in maintaining public green spaces.

A public communication campaign warns citizens against buying or building in unauthorized areas, emphasizing that Conservation Soil is not for sale and illegal construction risks losing property rights. “Zero invasions. Zero permits. No more growth in green areas,” emphasized Brugada at the end of the meeting.