Mexico’s Women Farmers Revive Ancient Floating Gardens Against All Odds
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📰 The quick summary: Women in Mexico are buying chinampas (traditional Aztec island farms) and practicing sustainable agriculture, helping preserve a threatened ecosystem while breaking gender barriers in farming.
📈 One key stat: What remains of Xochimilco today represents only 3% of the original extension of the lakes that once filled the Valley of Mexico, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
💬 One key quote: “From the shared labor of women and men, we can do what we all want, which is conserve what we have left for as long as possible,” says Cassandra Garduño.
1️⃣ The big picture: In Mexico City, women are stepping up to protect chinampas, ancient Aztec island farms traditionally owned and operated by men. Farmers like Jasmín Ordóñez and Cassandra Garduño have purchased these floating farms and are implementing sustainable agricultural practices to preserve the threatened ecosystem. These chinampas are part of a wetland system that represents the last remnants of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Despite facing obstacles in a male-dominated space, these women are working to maintain biodiversity, combat pollution, and preserve traditional farming knowledge that dates back thousands of years.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: These women-led conservation efforts are revitalizing abandoned chinampas and introducing sustainable farming methods that avoid harmful agrochemicals. Their work helps maintain Mexico City’s ecological balance by preserving wetlands that regulate temperature, reduce flooding, and serve as carbon dioxide reservoirs. The sustainable practices they champion protect the endangered axolotl and other native species from invasive fish and pollution. Through collaboration with Mexico’s National Autonomous University, these female farmers are not only preserving ancient agricultural techniques but also creating pathways for more women to participate in chinampa farming and conservation.
3️⃣ What’s next: The women hope to inspire more female ownership of chinampas over the next decade. University programs continue to award sustainable “Etiqueta Chinampera” certifications, allowing farmers to sell their products at higher prices. These efforts aim to protect what remains of this critical ecosystem for as long as possible.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – Women in Mexico step up to protect the island farms traditionally inherited by men
