Environmental degradation in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, as perceived by urban residents and chinampa owners

Abstract

The progressive environmental degradation of the biocultural landscape comprising Lake Xochimilco has threatened the area’s denomination as a World Heritage Site . The environmental degradation of Lake Xochimilco is largely due to the implementation of top-down policies, productive projects, and conservation measures. This article, based on ethnographic work, analyzes the ways local residents and agricultural producers perceive, understand, and assimilate the causes of environmental degradation in Lake Xochimilco. We argue that these perceptions must be acknowledged in order to construct solutions based on them and involve local inhabitants in decision-making and the actions to be undertaken. We suggest that any subsequent effort to preserve the area should take into account existing local knowledge and technologies, otherwise the results the effects of implementing top-down public conservation policies will be the opposite of those expected.