UNESCO has designated the 'Ancient Chinampa Agricultural Landscapes' of the Valley of Mexico as a World Heritage site. Often referred to as 'floating gardens', these man-made islands were the backbone of the Aztec Empire's food supply. The inscription recognizes the continuous use of this ingenious agro-ecological system for over 700 years, despite the pressures of urban expansion from the surrounding Mexico City.
The preservation plan focuses on restoring the canal networks and protecting the unique biodiversity of the Xochimilco region. By elevating the status of these landscapes, heritage advocates hope to encourage traditional farming methods that sequester carbon and provide sustainable food sources, blending ancient hydraulic wisdom with modern climate resilience strategies in one of the world's largest metropolises.