Activists are concerned that a bridge built over Mexico City's wetlands will cause irreparable harm to the ecosystem.Concerns have been raised about the future of the UNESCO World Heritage Site because of a major construction project in wetlands that is seen as one of Mexico City's "green lungs".On a freshwater reservoir system, a reinforced concrete bridge of more than 1.7 kilometers (one mile) length is being constructed. This helps to maintain the city's temperature and prevent flooding.Hundreds of trees were felled in the Xochimilco Reserve, home to endemic species such as the critically endangered axolotl (a salamander-like amphibian).Experts and residents worry that this project will only be the beginning of an accelerated development of the area. The area is classified as a Wetlands of International Importance pursuant to an intergovernmental conservation treaty.Maria Alvarado (60), a member of a campaign against the project, said, "We're going on fighting, because they will want to continue developing and filling the lakes here to create a commercial plaza."Tourists love to ride colorful gondolas along the maze of canals and artificial island created centuries ago by the local indigenous people of Xochimilco.One of the major highways that runs through the city has already divided the greenery in the vast urban sprawl.Campaigners have filed numerous legal challenges to the bridge's construction, but it is nearly complete.Activists have filed numerous legal challenges against the bridge and staged demonstrations in protest. It is currently being built at a cost approximately $40 million.Elia Solares (65), a member the campaign group, said that "it's not just Xochimilco who losesthe entire city loses.""Enormous damage"Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico City's Mayor, has defended the project, claiming that it will improve traffic flow.She stated last month that "it will be very important to the area...both for public and private transportation," assuring residents there were no environmental damage.Her government has pledged to restore the wetland through planting endemic plants and linking it with other lakes.She stated that the wetland in the Xochimilco area is going to be "very important."Luis Zambrano (UNAM researcher) fears that the bridge could cause irreparable damage to a critical ecosystem.UNESCO World Heritage Site Xochimilco attracts tourists to take trips on colorful gondolas.He said that they were doing "immense damage" and warned that this project would set dangerous precedents.He said, "They're opening up the door to destruction of any ecosystem no matter how protected it might be."Alvarado and her fellow campaigners will continue their fight to prevent the bridge from ever being built.She said, "We won't give up our fight,""Even though this bridge is working, we will continue fighting to stop its use."Continue reading Mexico City fishermen fight for Aztec floating gardens2021 AFP
