In a significant effort to restore the ecological balance of Lago de Texcoco, a community group has been actively involved in preserving the area designated as a natural protected zone. This initiative comes in response to the adverse effects of wildfires, which threaten not only the local vegetation but also the climate and air quality in the region.
Jorge Pulido, the deputy director of ecological restoration for Lago de Texcoco, oversees the work of various brigades engaged in both aquatic and terrestrial restoration activities. He emphasizes that restoring this protected area is crucial for recovering the ecological functions of its ecosystems.
The restoration activities focus on maintaining the existing bodies of water and enhancing the vegetation, such as bulrushes and halophytic grasses. Pulido notes the social impact of this initiative, as community members reconnect with their childhood memories of the area's flora and fauna, witnessing a revival of the natural environment.
After plans to drain Lago de Texcoco for a megaproject airport were halted, efforts have been made to restore the water cycles in the area. Structures have been installed to channel excess water from the Ciénega de San Juan into the ecological park, ensuring that water is not wasted but instead replenishes the park's water bodies.
To create water mirrors in the wetland, the restoration brigade has been constructing artisanal embankments to capture water from the overflow. These embankments, made from recycled materials left over from the airport construction, are designed to retain water and create microhabitats for resident and migratory birds.
As the rainy season progresses, these water mirrors are beginning to form, attracting a variety of bird species. The local knowledge utilized in constructing these embankments reflects the community's deep understanding of water circulation in the region, ensuring the successful restoration of Lago de Texcoco's unique ecosystem.