Cancún Set to Transform Urban Landscape with 5,000 Trees!

The ecology department of Benito Juárez municipality in Cancún has set a goal to plant over 5,000 trees across the city by 2025. This initiative is primarily focused on the city's median strips, following the successful planting of 4,998 trees across 13,000 square meters last year. Department director, Fernando Haro, stated that plans are still underway to determine the areas of focus. The project will not be limited to medians, such as those on Tulum and Huayacán avenues, but will also aim to combat the urban heat islands within the city.

The Ecology Department maintains a diverse plant palette, boasting over 50 different species that are either native to the region or adapted to the ecosystem. This includes mahogany, ceiba, cedar, Pucté, Tzalam, and other species suitable for medians wider than 8 meters. Additionally, Chaká, royal palm, Balché, Guaje, Guayacán, and others are used for medians wider than 3 meters.

In relation to the urban heat islands, Haro mentioned that they will be reassessing areas to identify those needing more attention. This is especially important in areas outside the city center, where numerous subdivisions with large parking lots contribute to the city's highest temperature points. Heat island maps, such as those provided by the National Laboratory of Geo-intelligence, indicate multiple heat islands in Cancún that are 1.5 to 2° C warmer than the rest of the city. These include areas like Avenida Centenario with Agustín Melgar, a triangle between Avenida Chac Mool, Kabah, and Leona Vicario, and around Avenida Grandes Lagos and Huayín street, among others.

Haro also announced that the Rotary Club will be donating 350 saplings next Wednesday to be planted throughout the city. Furthermore, the department has begun processing Christmas trees collected over the past months into compost, which will be used to support the reforestation efforts.