From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

Lessons learned ▪Long-term governance structures: Creating a governance framework that includes local communities and ensures adaptive management is crucial for the long-term success of such projects. ▪Balancing ecological and social objectives: Ensuring that eco - logical restoration efforts also meet social needs, e.g. by provid- ing public spaces for recreation and cultural activities, is key to broad community support. ▪Sustainable funding: Developing a sustainable funding model that includes both government and private-sector support is essential for the continuity of the park’s operations and further development. Challenges ▪Overcoming past damage: Addressing the legacy of industriali- zation and urban development in the Lake Texcoco basin, while restoring ecosystems and creating a public space, presented sig- nificant challenges. Overcoming these historical barriers required innovative engineering solutions and careful management. ▪Balancing urban growth with ecological preservation: As Mexico City continues to grow, ensuring that the ecological park remains a priority amid competing development projects is an ongoing challenge. Next steps ▪The Lake Texcoco Ecological Park continues to evolve, with plans to expand its biodiversity and enhance its educational offerings. Future efforts will focus on deepening community engagement, promoting environmental education and strengthening the park’s role as a regional model for urban resilience. ▪With continued investment in sustainable management practices, the project aims to serve as a global example of how large-scale urban ecological restoration can provide solutions to both envi- ronmental and social challenges. 82 83Iñaki Echeverria