Darwin Initiative - UAM-Xochimilco for the Conservation in México

Luis Hidalgo

Universidad Autonoma
Metropolitana Xochimilco

Lake Xochimilco, the natural habitat of the Mexican Axolotl, is the last remnant of a once extensive wetland system that was much of the volcanic basin in which Mexico City now sits. It is considered to be one last regions in the world with a high content of biodiversity yet unfortunately at the greatest risk, since it is located in the southern section of one of the biggest and most complex cities on the planet. This space, still with a largely rural profile, is a Protected Natural Area and considered by UNESCO as part of its Cultural Patrimony of Humanity.

Over the past few years, an international collaboration has grown up between scientists interested in saving the Xochimilco lake ecosystem, including the Mexican Axolotl and other indigenous species. Researchers from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at Kent University at Cambridge joined efforts with Dr. Virginia Graue and others from the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana Xochimilco to develop a proposal to the United Kingdom’s Darwin Initiative with the intent to establish an infrastructure for sustainable conservation in Xochimilco, using the Axolotl as a flagship species. The Darwin Initiative, part of the British government’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, seeks to safeguard the world's biodiversity by drawing on UK strengths in this area to assist those countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in financial resources. It helps such countries to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The 3-year project began in Spring 2002. It intends to draw on university and community resources to develop a sustainable conservation program that extends well beyond the life of Darwin Initiative project and money. While working with the latest species conservation strategies, it will also involve all the elements of the community (i.e. farmers, fishermen, tour operators, vendors, politicians, teachers and children) in order to enlist their cooperation and to help them in their everyday lives.