With recognition for the coordinated work between the City Council and different sectors of society to expand green areas in the city, Mayor Renán Barrera Concha announced that the Tenth Forest Crusade of 2023 concluded with the planting of 30,000 trees of 80 different species throughout the Municipality.
The Mayor stated that the current administration is working with society to strengthen the city’s biodiversity, aiming to build a greener Municipality that is aware of the importance of combating climate change. He mentioned that the planting goal of the current administration is 150,000 trees.
Barrera Concha pointed out that due to intense heat waves, there was a brief pause in the Tenth Forest Crusade, but tree planting resumed with the arrival of the rains.
He informed that this edition involved more than 4,500 volunteers, including children, teenagers, and elderly individuals, who joined efforts to create more green lungs that contribute to strengthening the health and quality of life for everyone.
Alejandra Bolio Rojas, Director of the Unit for Sustainable Development (UDS), explained that despite the conclusion of the Forest Crusade, the task of citizens is essential to preserve the planted trees.
“If there are no rains or if you see a tree drying out in front of your house, do not forget that Mérida is our home and water it a little; if you see a section stressed due to lack of water, you can report it so that we can send a water truck specifically to that area,” she continued.
She also emphasized the need to be observant of the planted flora, meaning that if people witness acts of vandalism against the trees, they should report it to 9999244000.
Bolio Rojas detailed that among the 80 species planted during the forest crusade, there were flowering, shade, fruit-bearing, citrus fruit, and ornamental trees.
Sandra García Peregrina, Director of the Public Municipal Decentralized Agency for the Operation and Administration of the Area Subject to Ecological Conservation Cuxtal Reserve, reported that the nursery in the area produces 500,000 plants per year of 11 native forest species such as pich, makulis rosado, ramón, ciricote, balché, and chico zapote.
García Peregrina mentioned that for this year 2023, the estimated production already exceeds 100,000 plants.
She also recalled that the Cuxtal Ecological Reserve is comprised of 10,757 hectares, representing 12.7% of the Municipality’s surface area, and is the most important water source supplying 50% of the city’s water.
Additionally, she added that the Cuxtal Reserve is linked to the communities of Dzununcán, Molas, San Ignacio Tesip, Xmatkuil, Santa Cruz Palomeque, San Pedro Chimay, Hunxectamán, Dzoyaxché, and Tahdzibichén, with approximately 20,000 inhabitants living in these areas.
Finally, the Unit for Sustainable Development has other permanent tree-planting programs for schools and companies, which can be requested via email at [email protected]. There is also the “Adopt a Tree” program for the general public to acquire tree species at the UDS facilities located on Calle 10 between 23 and 25 in the Mulsay neighborhood, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
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