Urban development threatens Aztec canal network
Al Jazeera · Just In
Al Jazeera
Just In
They're known as Mexico City's gardens - an ancient network of canals and floating islands designed by the Aztecs for food production. But efforts to develop the area, including for tourism, have put its ancestral use at risk.
Breakdown
- Farmers in Xochimilco use traditional methods on chinampas, but face water shortages and contamination.
- Canals are drying up or polluted with dangerous substances, affecting daily food production. 30s
- Authorities prioritize tourism, diverting water to maintain canal attractions for visitors. 47s
- Urban expansion leads to sewage being dumped in canals, further endangering the ecosystem. 1m 27s
- Despite UNESCO protection, farmers feel abandoned as arable land sits idle and cultural heritage is at risk. 2m 6s