At the outskirts of one of the world's biggest cities, Xochimilco represents an opportunity to learn from the past and put into place practices that balance urban environments with nature. This is a story of the "floating gardens" known as chinampas.
What are Chinampas?
Chinampas are islands built to farm the wetlands of the Xochimilco — a river canal on the outskirts of Mexico City that hosts a network of wetlands inhabited by a remnant of the ancient Aztec civilization.
In what ways do this present community reflect its past?
In several ways. These canals are the last remains of the vast water transport system built by the ancient Aztecs. And the people of this region are gritty, working-class people who continue to use the traditions of the ancient Aztecs and pass them down through each generation.
Why would you say capturing these sounds is important?
I feel that by recording sound, by listening to sound, we can become sensitive. I think doing projects like going to record Xochimilco is incredible because it sensitizes people to something that is here. It is incredible that we are in the city and in the countryside at the same time.
(Leo Heiblum, artist and film composer)
Check out the Chinampas sample pack by clicking the link below and explore the unique soundscapes of Xochimilco's intricate canal system. A portion of the proceeds of this pack will benefit Iniciativa Agroecológica Xochimilco A.C. (IAX A.C.) a non profit organization in Mexico through which networks of farmers are created to promote and preserve a healthy ecosystem at the Chinampas in Xochimilco by practicing agroecology with the support of institutions, bio-remediation techniques, and fair trade projects.