In the heart of Mexico City, a lone kayaker glides through ancient canals.
Omar Menchaca, 63, is a former mining engineer turned environmental advocate.
For over three decades, he’s paddled through Xochimilco, collecting trash and raising awareness.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Xochimilco is known for its Aztec-era canals and floating gardens.
But pollution and urban expansion now threaten this fragile ecosystem.
Despite a city-wide plastic ban, bottles and bags still choke the canals.
Menchaca says the wetlands are critical for recharging the aquifers that supply drinking water to millions.
#Mexico #environment #canals #Aztec #UNESCO
Omar Menchaca, 63, is a former mining engineer turned environmental advocate.
For over three decades, he’s paddled through Xochimilco, collecting trash and raising awareness.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Xochimilco is known for its Aztec-era canals and floating gardens.
But pollution and urban expansion now threaten this fragile ecosystem.
Despite a city-wide plastic ban, bottles and bags still choke the canals.
Menchaca says the wetlands are critical for recharging the aquifers that supply drinking water to millions.
#Mexico #environment #canals #Aztec #UNESCO
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NewsTranscript
00:00In the heart of Mexico City, a lone kayaker glides through ancient canals.
00:08Omar Menchaca, 63, is a former mining engineer turned environmental advocate.
00:31Xochimilco is important because it provides great benefits for the city.
00:40It is a place that helps mitigate up to 2 degrees the temperature of Mexico City.
00:51It is a rainwater receptor that avoids flooding in the city.
01:00It is a place that helps mitigate the environmental pollution that exists in Mexico City
01:08due to the use of cars and the industry.
01:14For over three decades, he's paddled through Xochimilco, collecting trash and raising awareness.
01:21A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xochimilco is known for its Aztec-era canals and floating gardens.
01:28But pollution and urban expansion now threaten this fragile ecosystem.
01:33Despite a citywide plastic ban, bottles and bags still choke the canals.
01:39Menchaca says the wetlands are critical for recharging the aquifers that supply drinking water to millions.
01:45If Xochimilco doesn't get the maintenance it needs,
01:50it will unfortunately disappear.