State of Mexico launches gallery forest restoration to protect rivers

The Government of the State of Mexico is implementing a gallery‑forest (riparian) restoration program aimed at protecting rivers, improving water infiltration and reducing soil erosion. The initiative is carried out by the Protectora de Bosques del Estado de México (Probosque) as part of the 2026 State Hydrological‑Forest Restoration Campaign.

So far Probosque has completed 16 restoration outings, working on more than 17 kilometres of riverbanks in municipalities such as Atizapán, Nicolás Romero, Tepetlaoxtoc, Tejupilco, and others. Activities include planting native species like ahuehuete, weeping willow and aile, slope stabilization, soil‑conservation works, and the removal of over 16 tons of solid waste. The program also trains agrarian groups to maintain the plantings using the Probosque method and other silvicultural practices.

Officials say the effort is the first state‑level initiative focused on these ecosystems, intended to serve as a national model and to achieve clean, healthy gallery forests and clear river water.