Bases for the construction of sustainability in urban community gardens: Enraizando Espacios, Mexico City

Abstract

Since its beginning, the Guerrero neighborhood, in the central part of Mexico City, has been
classified as working class, with a history of struggle for access to public services and a tendency
for high marginalization. In the present, some of its predominant problems are delinquency,
public neglect in general and poor management of solid waste. In this scenario, in 2016, the
urban community garden Enraizando Espacios emerged, as a project of transformation based
on of urban green spaces, organic waste processing and community. One year after it´s beginning,
it was necessary to recognize the impact that the project has had on the community with
the aim of improving and continuing this work. This technical experience presents the process
of Participatory Action research; as a result, a collective memory was obtained and the bases
for the construction of useful sustainability indicators were established. Among the main lessons
learned is the fact that solidarity and cooperation have determined the success of the
project, as well as the recognition of the transformative power it has had. This experience aims
to empower this community and others.