Saving Mexico’s ancient canal gardens: Xochimilco

World Today

Mexico’s ancient canal gardens, Xochimilco, once belonged to the powerful Aztec empire. 

Fast-forward 500 years, nature resides, along with trash.

“I think we all know that humans caused this, and our way of life,” said Andres Castillo Martinez, a conservationist. “Mexico City demands water and the water that we had in these canals came from naturally from the hilly areas. It is a basin.”

“The urban stain advances with all that it brings. Contamination of the canals with waste—plastics, glass, organic garbage,” added Mr. Martinez.

However, groups of young conservations are helping to clean up Xochimilco.

CGTN’s Franc Contreras reports.