In a remarkable grassroots initiative, Carlos Valecillo, a historian from Mexico City, has turned his passion for reforestation into a life project aimed at combating climate change. Starting in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Valecillo began germinating jacaranda seeds and has since planted over 250 trees in his community.
Initially, Valecillo faced challenges with the dry soil conditions of the area. However, through trial and error, and guidance from environmental experts, he shifted his focus to native species that are better suited for the local climate, such as retamas and copales.
His efforts have not only transformed the landscape but have also fostered a resurgence of local biodiversity, attracting various insect species and butterflies. Valecillo's project aligns with the World Health Organization's recommendations for urban green spaces, as Mexico City currently falls short with only 7.5 square meters of green area per resident.
In addition to his reforestation work, Valecillo co-founded Ciudad Bosque, an organization dedicated to extending similar projects to marginalized areas. His story serves as an inspiring call to action for others to engage in environmental activism.