PERSONAL: Retired engineer kayaks to clean Mexico City's ancient Xochimilco canals

Record ID: 1984836

  • Title: PERSONAL: Retired engineer kayaks to clean Mexico City's ancient Xochimilco canals
  • Date: 21st March 2025
  • Summary: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (RECENT - MARCH 3, 2025) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF DRONE FOOTAGE OF FORMER MINING ENGINEER-TURNED-ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE, OMAR MENCHACA KAYAKING THROUGH THE CANALS OF XOCHIMILCO DURING SUNRISE (MUTE) DRONE FOOTAGE OF SUNRISE IN XOCHIMILCO (MUTE) MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (RECENT - MARCH 11, 2025) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) FORMER MINING ENGINEER-TURNED-ENVIRO
  • Embargoed:
  • Keywords: Omar Menchaca Water Day Xochimilco canals clean environment kayak plastic waste
  • Location: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
  • City: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: South America / Central America,North America,Human Interest/Brights/Odd News,Society/Social Issues,Editors' Choice
  • Reuters ID: LVA001021719032025RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:Omar Menchaca, a former mining engineer-turned-environmental advocate, spends his days kayaking through the canals of Xochimilco, collecting plastic waste as he paddles through the UNESCO World Heritage site. As Mexico City’s wetlands face growing threats from pollution and urbanization, Menchaca has made it his mission to help preserve the fragile ecosystem.
    "Xochimilco is important because it provides great benefits to the city. It is a place that helps lower Mexico City's temperature by up to two degrees. It acts as a reservoir for rainwater, preventing flooding in the city," Menchaca says.
    Xochimilco, known for its network of canals and floating gardens that dates to Aztec times, is a vital ecological buffer in Mexico’s sprawling capital. However, the area has seen increasing environmental degradation due to waste accumulation, motorized boats, and urban expansion. A newly constructed overpass above the wetlands has drawn criticism from local activists and environmentalists, who warn of its impact on the already fragile ecosystem.
    Menchaca, a former national track champion and endurance athlete, has been navigating Xochimilco’s waterways for more than three decades. He initially explored the canals as a personal escape from the city but later turned his routine into an informal conservation effort. Now 63, he continues to kayak through the wetlands, documenting local wildlife and removing debris from the water.
    "It is a place that fills me with life, yes, it is a place I have learned to love during the 34 years I have been navigating its canals in Mexico City," Menchaca adds
    The wetlands rely almost entirely on rainwater to replenish their reserves, as the natural sources that once fed them have dried up.
    Pollution is another major challenge. Despite a ban on single-use plastics in Mexico City, discarded cups, plates, and bags continue to find their way into the canals.
    Menchaca has been trying to reverse this trend, hauling out plastic waste as he paddles through the canals. "For the past 34 years, we have been visiting the area and trying to remove the trash that ends up in the canals. Why? To keep them in much better condition," tells Menchaca of his effort.
    Some days, he and other environmentalists pull out enough waste to fill an entire kayak, sometimes two.
    Beyond its ecological role, Xochimilco is essential to Mexico City’s water supply. The wetlands help recharge the aquifers that provide drinking water to millions.
    "If Xochimilco is not given the maintenance it needs, unfortunately, there will come a time when Xochimilco will disappear,” Menchaca says.
    Menchaca hopes the government and local residents will take stronger action to protect Xochimilco before it’s too late.
    (Production: Bernat Parera, Nina Lopez)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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