Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Then, a planning workshop that focused on the technical aspects re-
lated to water, wastewater and solid waste management was conducted.
During the workshop participants defi ned various problems related to the
water supply, wastewater, agriculture and solid waste for peri-urban areas
in Xochimilco that they experience or perceive.
Participants acknowledge the water supply problems, including deple-
tion of the aquifer and poor water supply services. In addition, they also
indicate that the water quality, both of the environmental water as well
as the domestic water, is poor, which induces several health problems.
The participants perceive the discharge of poorly or un-treated wastewater
to the canals, streets and environment as the main problem. This results
in water pollution, loss of biodiversity and health problems. The perfor-
mance of the wastewater treatment plants is perceived as being poor, both
in terms of quantity and quality. The main agricultural problems are re-
lated to a lack of knowledge of farmers and the loss of agricultural land
and indigenous agricultural practices such as the chinampas. The absence
of solid waste classifi cation, collection and recycling is perceived as a
problem, which is mainly related to the lack of awareness about the possi-
bilities for separating and recycling solid waste. Participants have formu-
lated possible technical solutions to the above mentioned problems. They
proposed to introduce alternative technologies for water supply, such as
rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems. Filters for grey
water and the installation of dry toilets could improve the situation con-
cerning untreated wastewater discharge. For solid waste management, the
initiation of a waste separation program was proposed by the participants.
2.4.2 RESULTS—CONCEPT SCENARIOS
Each concept scenario is related to one of the possible development sce-
narios and encompasses a set of technologies that is suitable for the de-
velopment scenario. In addition, a new concept scenario has been created
that is related to increased urbanization. Even if that was not preferred by
the participants of the scenario workshop it is a very realistic scenario as
a recent trend analysis based on GIS data has shown (see Figure 3). The
identified three concept scenarios are summarized in Table 4.
