Contributions of biocultural approaches to the sustainable planning of peri-urban water landscapes: a case study of Mexico City, Mexico

Abstract Context Rapid urbanization and land-use changes during the twentieth century led to policies aimed at integrating ecological and socio-cultural aspects into landscape management, particularly for water landscapes. However, in Latin America, these policies have had limited impact. Given the region’s biological and cultural diversity, there is a need for approaches that consider historical culture-nature relationships and promote comprehensive management of peri-urban watersheds. Objectives This study identifies the contributions of biocultural approaches to sustainable management of peri-urban water landscapes. Grounded in understanding practical, cognitive, symbolic and ethico-political relationships between humans and their environment, these approaches offer a holistic framework to address the complexities of water landscapes and the power relationships historically rooted. Methods The methodology involved a theoretical review of biocultural approaches to characterize a peri-urban water landscape in Mexico City, Mexico. Based on an analysis of existing studies, data collected through field visits, and preliminary findings from a participatory mapping experience conducted in the Magdalena River watershed. In addition, territorial, environmental, and heritage policies at federal, state, and local levels were reviewed to assess their effectiveness in protecting water landscapes. Results We identified elements of bioculturality and found that current policies do not comprehensively address both biological and socio-cultural diversity in Mexico City water landscapes. Moreover, existing policies have neglected territorialities, resulting in socio-environmental injustices. Conclusions This study proposes that recognizing diverse territorialities and exposing socio-environmental injustices emphasized by biocultural approaches can inform water landscape management policies in peri-urban watersheds in Mexico City.