Mexico City launches drive to plant a million native trees in underserved boroughs by 2030

Mexico City has embarked on a significant urban reforestation initiative aiming to plant one million native trees in underserved boroughs by 2030. The program, launched by Mayor Clara Brugada, seeks to transform gray spaces into areas with shade, following the international 3-30-300 guideline. This guideline stipulates that residents should be able to view at least three trees from each window, neighborhoods should have 30% tree canopy covering, and households should have a park or green area within 300 meters.

The árbol colorín, or flame tree, is among the native species to be planted. The capital's Mayor initiated the program at a housing complex in Iztacalco, the borough with the least trees in Mexico City. The plan calls for planting 200,000 native trees annually, with priority given to the eastern boroughs - Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, Venustiano Carranza, Gustavo A. Madero, and Tláhuac - where green spaces are most scarce.

Residents are expected to participate, and native species suitable for the climate and streets, such as sweetgum, cazahuate, colorín, guaje, guamúchil, palo verde, ash, macuil, and ceiba, will be used. These trees are chosen for their resilience, low maintenance requirements, resistance to pests and diseases, and benefits to air quality and pollination.

Officials estimate that the trees could capture 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide and remove pollutants equivalent to removing 4,000 cars from city streets annually. The initiative also aims to raise environmental awareness, with neighborhood meetings and school involvement planned.