Mérida’s Forest Campaign Surpasses Goal, Planting 8,754 Trees

Mérida, Yucatán — The city’s 2026 forest campaign has exceeded its target, with 8,754 trees planted before the final scheduled planting sessions, Mayor Cecilia Patrón Laviada announced.

“Today we are experiencing a very significant moment for Mérida; we surpassed the goal we set, reaching 8,754 new trees that are now part of the city’s green infrastructure,” Patrón Laviada said. “This speaks to the enormous commitment of the public and their confidence in the city government to work together.”

The mayor credited more than 3,500 volunteers who took part in the planting days, working with local flowering, fruit, and shade tree species to strengthen the city’s environmental heritage.

During the campaign’s 17th planting session, crews put in native species including tangerine, sapodilla, sweet orange, balché, chacté, chaksinkín, xcanlol, and kitinché. Officials said the trees will expand vegetation cover, provide food for wildlife and pollinators, offer shade, improve air quality, and help the city withstand high temperatures.

Patrón Laviada thanked residents, universities, civil society groups, and socially responsible companies that joined the effort, among them Kanan Kab, Bepensa, Berel, Oxxo, Cemex, Mitza, Kimikolor, Galletas Dondé, Grupo Linderos, Botanas La Lupita, Consur, Vive Fundación, Everland, Proalmex, La Anita, and Kekén.

Raúl Escalante Aguilar, director of the city’s Environment and Animal Welfare Department, said the 13th Cruzada Forestal aimed to plant 8,500 trees over 18 sessions during the rainy season, selecting more than 50 native species suited to the urban ecosystem. He added that the new trees will strengthen green corridors, increase tree cover, support pollinators, regulate temperatures, and capture carbon in public spaces.