Integrating Agroecological Food Production, Ecological Restoration, Peasants’ Wellbeing, and Agri-Food Biocultural Heritage in Xochimilco, Mexico City

Chinampería, a jeopardized precolonial agricultural practice, persists in the Xochimilco wetland, Mexico City. Agroecological chinampa production is recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, and contributes to sustainability of both urban wetland city. The ‘chinampa-refuge’ model (CRM) transdisciplinary effort strengthen traditional agroecological practices ecological restoration. Through an inter/transdisciplinary research framework, we addressed model’s role this socio-ecosystem concerning four significant drivers wetland’s transformation. CRM has improved water quality locally, increased suitable habitat for native aquatic biodiversity, supported practices, thus improving safety food products. However, there are clear challenges regarding commercialization, some which may be through strengthening social organization collective action. other beyond reach producers’ efforts CRM, but decisive changing degradation trends. In order address these challenges, urgent participatory government actions needed based on recognition causes its sustainability.