The Alcaldía de Coyoacán has replanted the historic Jardín Hidalgo with native and endemic species to create a dedicated pollinator garden [1].
This initiative aims to protect local biodiversity by providing essential habitats for insects and birds within the urban environment of Mexico City. By replacing traditional landscaping with flora that supports wildlife, the borough seeks to stabilize the local ecosystem in its historic center [2].
The project, led by Mayor Giovani Gutiérrez Aguilar and the borough’s director of works, focused on introducing plants such as salvia, mirto, lantana, and agaves [1]. These specific species were selected to attract hummingbirds, bees, bumble-bees, butterflies, and other native birds [3].
Reporting from June 2026 indicates that the garden has already begun attracting new fauna [1]. However, some reports suggest the project is ongoing, with the director of works saying that additional work in the park was scheduled to begin the following month [1].
The local effort aligns with broader national conservation goals in Mexico. Enrollment in the national pollinator-habitat network opened on June 1, 2026 [4], encouraging more urban spaces to adopt similar ecological standards.
Officials said the transformation of these historic spaces serves a dual purpose. It maintains the aesthetic value of the Centro Histórico while actively promoting the protection of native flora and fauna [2]. The use of endemic plants ensures that the garden remains sustainable and resilient to the local climate without requiring excessive artificial intervention [3].
“The historic Jardín Hidalgo was replanted with native and endemic species to create a pollinator garden.”
The transition from ornamental gardening to functional pollinator habitats in urban centers represents a shift toward 'green infrastructure.' By integrating native species into historic districts, cities can mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation, allowing pollinators to move through urban corridors. This helps sustain agricultural productivity and natural pollination cycles in the surrounding regions of Mexico City.
