During the 14th century, the Aztecs settled in what is now modern-day Mexico City and founded Tenochtitlán, a powerful city in the Valley of Mexico. The boggy, lake-filled landscape posed a challenge for cultivation, prompting the Aztecs to create an innovative system known as chinampas.
A study by North Carolina State University professor Matthew Teti found that chinampa farms in the 16th century were incredibly productive, providing food for thousands of people. The system was considered one of the most intensive and productive in history.
Today, farmers like Paiz continue to benefit from the chinampa system, producing a variety of crops that are sold at local markets in Mexico City. This system is not only commercially successful but also culturally significant.
Chinampas are especially efficient in water usage, absorbing and retaining water from canals for irrigation. This aspect could prove crucial for cities like Mexico City facing water scarcity issues.
Lessons learned from chinampas could have global implications, especially in addressing water scarcity in urban areas. The unique ecosystem of the chinampas also supports a diverse range of biodiversity, including endangered species like the axolotl.
Additionally, chinampas offer multiple benefits such as water filtration, carbon sequestration, and providing green spaces for locals. They have also become a popular tourist destination due to their picturesque waterways.
