Chapultepec Forest Environmental Transcendence

Project presentation

Chapultepec Forest, spanning 866 ha, holds great environmental significance in Mexico City, one of the most polluted and populated metropolis of the world. Chapultepec plays a crucial role in improving the air quality, provides green spaces and supports an immense biodiversity. Besides, Chapultepec has an enormous social importance, considering the 22 million visitors each year. The quantification of the environmental services that it provides and their economic value will help to demonstrate its importance and transcendence to the general public and local politicians. The tree cover of the 1st, 3rd, and 4th sections of Chapultepec were evaluated via their i-Tree Eco Program to quantify their environmental services and economic value. Contributions of INIFAP, CONACYT and the Mexico City Environment Secretary were helpful to accomplish this result.

Organization presentation

The Pro Bosque de Chapultepec Trust started operations in 2003. It emerged as a private, volunteer initiative with the purpose of raising funds and collaborating with stakeholders of Chapultepec Forest to address its sustainability and accessibility needs. The forest is a valuable source of environmental and cultural richness that belongs to all Mexicans. Over 19 years, Pro Bosque has raised more than US$32 million, which has been invested in several initiatives for the benefit of the forest.

Impact

Chapultepec's vital role in Mexico City's livability is evident through these quantified figures: 46,200 tons of CO2 stored, 1,438 tons captured annually, and 17,000 kg of air pollutants removed.