Rescuing the Floating Chinampa
A Millennial Legacy for Xochimilco"
Xochimilco, a wetland of unparalleled cultural and ecological richness, faces critical challenges that threaten its sustainability. Among these, the loss of ancestral agricultural techniques such as the construction of floating chinampas, exacerbated by soil subsidence, pollution, and the abandonment of traditional practices. Problem:The degradation of Xochimilco's hydrological system has led to the loss of chinampas, the decrease in biodiversity, and the deterioration of the quality of life of its inhabitants. It is crucial to address this problem to preserve cultural heritage and ensure a sustainable future for the community.
Objectives:
To build an 8x4 meter artisanal floating chinampa.
To document the process in a video manual.
To conduct an archaeological approach to the original chinampas.
To vindicate the work of the chinampero master Agustín Galicia and his family.
To highlight the positive impact on the community and the conservation of the Natural protected area and the wetland.
"Chinampa Restoration Planing
Phase 1: Planning and Preparation (January - March 2026)
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January: Start date 9 Januari 9:00 am
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Creation of detailed construction plans.
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Arrangement of the land and dredging of the area where the chinampa will be built.
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Collection of organic materials for layered filling (carrizo reeds, mud, lily, tule).
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February:
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Staking of the chinampa with Ahuejote posts.
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Continuation of the collection of organic materials.
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March:
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Organic filling of the chinampa in layers.
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Settling of the organic materials
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Final conditioning of the surface for planting.
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Planting of various crops
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The chinampa to be restored is located within a protected natural area of great importance to the wetland ecosystem of Xochimilco.
Click here:
Chinampa Restoration Planing 2026
Phase 1: Planning and Preparation (January - March 2026)
-
January: Start date 9 Januari 9:00 am
-
Creation of detailed construction plans.
-
Arrangement of the land and dredging of the area where the chinampa will be built.
-
Collection of organic materials for layered filling (carrizo reeds, mud, lily, tule).
-
-
February:
-
Staking of the chinampa with Ahuejote posts.
-
Continuation of the collection of organic materials.
-
-
March:
-
Organic filling of the chinampa in layers.
-
Settling of the organic materials
-
Final conditioning of the surface for planting.
-
Planting of various crops
-
Daily Log & Documentation
This section provides a comprehensive record of the Chinampa Rescue Project's daily activities. Starting January 9th (Day 0), we will document all aspects of the project, including:
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Reconstruction efforts: Planting, soil preparation, and structural repairs
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Maintenance activities: Weeding, watering, and pest control
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Environmental monitoring: Water quality, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem health
All supporting documentation, including photos, videos, and data logs, can be found in our project drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eZmgEEwtY7SzhV8PqvjoZyouNrNh-0hy?usp=sharing
