Rain Garden Co-Stewardship in Mérida, México: A case for community engagement in rain garden maintenance

Abstract

In response to the rapid urbanization of Latin American cities, municipalities have begun to implement Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) to mitigate urban flooding. Documenting community values and flood experiences provides important insights for building local adaptive capacity. I used semi-structured interviews and visual preference surveys to document rain garden perceptions held by female residents of Juan Pablo II, a rapidly urbanized neighborhood in Mérida, Yucatán, México. Participants value environmental stewardship, desire environmental education from the municipality, and have expressed interest in conducting rain garden co-stewardship in conjunction with Mérida’s Municipal Planning Institute. Rain garden plant aesthetics were an important and motivating factor for engagement in maintenance activities. Residents preferred aesthetically pleasing plants that prevent theft and require little maintenance. Community-engaged SuDS development and rain garden co-stewardship can build adaptive capacity and enhance climate justice in rapidly urbanizing, Global South contexts.