The Magdalena River Basin, an example of a fundamental wetland for Mexico City

Abstract

The basins of the southwestern portion of the CDMX are an example of a riparian wetland; they are conserved areas, with representative temperate vegetation of the country. Within these is the Magdalena River Basin with the wetland of the river of the same name. The objective of this work is to describe the wetland and the main ecosystem services it provides, with a socio-ecosystem approach, which takes into account natural and social interactions, which allows the development of comprehensive management in the short and long terms. From the analysis and synthesis of the scientific information generated in the area during the last 15 years, the water resources system is described. Based on the main uses of the area, the Magdalena River Basin was divided into three zones: High, medium, and low. To try to improve the quality and quantity of the water in the basin, it is necessary to work together with local actors and authorities and thus give continuity to the projects that promote the socio-environmental well-being of the basin, trying to use the best available information for decision making.