The Mysterious 'Floating Gardens' Of Mexico City Are Dying - Will They Rise Again?

Mexico City's chinampas, artificial islands first built by the Aztecs hundreds of years ago, are under threat from encroaching urbanization. The chinampas have been an essential part of Mexico City's ecosystem and food supply for centuries, but are now struggling to compete with the tide of progress.

Low prices for farmers’ produce are forcing more families to abandon the ancient practice in favor of more lucrative land uses. As a result, many of these precious islands are being reclaimed for housing and commercial development. The future of Mexico City's floating gardens looks bleak unless drastic measures are taken.

Historically, the chinampas have been the backbone of the city's food supply, providing abundant fruits, vegetables, and flowers to local markets. They were originally created by the Aztecs using mud and soil from the bottom of Lake Texcoco. This method allowed the Aztecs to create verdant islands in the midst of a salty lake, and became the cornerstone of their agricultural system.

Throughout the centuries, the chinampas have played an essential role in maintaining the balance of Mexico City's delicate ecosystem. They provide habitat for numerous species of plants, birds, and insects, as well as serving as natural filtration systems for the surrounding water. However, the massive urban expansion of Mexico City has drastically changed the face of these islands.

While tourism and the nostalgia of the floating gardens prompt some families to continue the activity, urban pressures and financial losses force most to leave the practice in search of better economic ventures. Encroaching urban development threatens these historic farming areas with destruction and it's likely that Mexico City will continue losing the characteristic chinampa farmers.

Last efforts to save this millenary practice are attempting to seek better pay by reducing traditional farming costs, also bringing back some young city dwellers from the fields of research in sustainable agriculture, hoping their participation can counterbalance market pressures. They offer free education and knowledge, using today's valuable yet neglected heritage and its centuries-honed resourcefulness in fertile innovation.