Tlajomulco municipal government breaks ground on a new “Green Lung” urban forest project, investing MXN 60 million to plant 20 000 trees at Lomas del Sur sports complex.
On June 5, 2025, the Municipality of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga inaugurated construction of the region’s first “pulmón verde” (urban green lung) at the Lomas del Sur sports complex. Gerardo Quirino, Tlajomulco’s municipal president, announced a MXN 60 million investment to plant 20 000 native trees across 50 hectares—transforming underused land into a public forest aimed at improving air quality and providing recreational space for residents.
During the ribbon‐cutting ceremony, President Quirino described the project as “a milestone in sustainable urban planning.” He explained that the new green lung will feature walking trails, educational signage, and a community amphitheater for outdoor events. “This initiative responds to growing environmental challenges in the metropolitan area,” Quirino said. “Our goal is to mitigate heat islands, enhance biodiversity, and offer a healthy space where families can connect with nature.”
Environmental engineers had prepared the site by clearing invasive shrubs and conducting soil tests in April. Over the next six months, forestry technicians will plant species such as palo dulce (Eysenhardtia polystachya), encino (Quercus spp.), and cedro blanco (Cedrela odorata). Each tree is expected to absorb an average of 22 kilograms of CO₂ annually, meaning the green lung could sequester approximately 440 metric tons of carbon per year once fully mature.
The Tlajomulco green lung will serve multiple functions: a natural flood buffer to absorb stormwater runoff, a wildlife corridor for urban fauna, and a public amenity enhancing quality of life. Municipal Urban Development Director Patricia Morales stated that sensors will monitor air quality and soil moisture to optimize tree care. “We will use data analytics to adapt watering schedules and track tree health,” Morales said. “By integrating technology, we ensure the forest’s longevity and resilience.”
Local residents welcomed the announcement. Nearby homeowner Luis Velázquez said that excessive paving in recent years had increased surface temperatures in his neighborhood. “I often feel 3–4 degrees hotter here than in the city center,” he remarked. “Planting this green lung will help cool the microclimate and give kids a safe place to play.” Schoolteacher Andrea Torres added that educators plan to arrange weekly field trips to teach students about forest ecology and conservation.
Tlajomulco’s Environmental Protection Office (Oficina de Protección Ambiental) will oversee volunteer “tree care brigades,” enlisting community members and NGOs to handle initial watering and pruning. As part of a broader sustainability campaign, the municipality also launched a public awareness drive under the banner “Sembrando Futuro” (“Sowing the Future”), encouraging citizens to participate in clean-up events and adopt saplings. “We want everyone to feel ownership over this forest,” said campaign coordinator Santiago Medina.
Funding for the project comes from a combination of municipal bonds and a federal environmental grant under the National Forests Program. Tlajomulco is the first metropolitan municipality in Jalisco to secure such combined financing for an urban reforestation effort. State Environment Secretary Mariana Zavala praised the collaboration: “Tlajomulco’s green lung exemplifies how local and federal resources can unite to address environmental degradation and improve citizen well‐being.”
Construction teams have begun installing an irrigation network fed by treated wastewater from the Lomas del Sur Sports Complex’s adjacent treatment plant. This reuse approach reduces potable water demand and demonstrates an integrated water management strategy. Five cisterns with a total capacity of 1 000 m³ will supply drip irrigation lines, ensuring young trees receive consistent moisture during the dry season.
When completed, the urban green lung is expected to attract up to 250 000 visitors annually for jogging, bird watching, and educational tours. Economists project that local property values may rise by 3–5 percent within a one-kilometer radius of the forest due to enhanced environmental amenities. “Green infrastructure yields social, economic, and ecological dividends,” said UNAM economist Dr. Elena Rojas, who advised on the project’s cost-benefit analysis.
As June 5’s ceremony concluded, Quirino invited residents to the first volunteer planting event scheduled on June 12. “Together, we will plant not only trees but hope for a healthier, greener Tlajomulco,” he said. With this landmark initiative, the municipality sets a new standard for sustainable urban development in Jalisco’s metropolitan region.
