Diario Financiero | Urban Wetlands and Sustainable Cities

Madam Director: Wetlands have begun to gain visibility as green infrastructure on which millions of people around the world depend to counteract the climate situation we are experiencing. The Urban Wetlands Law, enacted two years ago, came at a crucial time—some would say late—but at least we can begin to discuss and establish a clear policy regarding restrictions and conservation of wetlands in urban areas.

Restricting activities that are harmful to urban wetlands is an important step, but we believe the law offers a significant opportunity to begin rethinking urban settlements and the way cities are planned based on their natural attributes, where all stakeholders in the territory, including real estate developers and local governments, recognize their natural environment as a fundamental asset for the harmonious development and survival of cities.

We need to shift our focus to planning and building cities based on their ecosystems and natural attributes. It’s urgent and necessary to live consciously, respectfully, and in balance with our surroundings.

Letter to the editor from Diego Urrejola, executive director of the Cosmos Foundation