Objective:

Analyze the conception, implementation and results of a social innovation initiative generated and promoted by a cooperative chinampera Xochimilco, in collaboration with the Instituto Politécnico Nacional; whose purpose is to promote chinampera culture and environmental awareness in preschool children from suburban areas in Mexico City.

Methodology:

A qualitative case study was carried out based on a methodological triangulation with document analysis, participant observation and field diary.

Results:

The work manages to show, in an empirical way, the process of gestating and implementing a social innovation initiative at the local level, through collaboration between different actors such as the community and the academy.

Limitations:

The main study limitation is the number of children participating in the project, although the effectiveness of a social innovation initiative does not depend on the number of participants but on the positive impact it can achieve, it is pertinent to replicate this project with more children from Mexico City for a wider scope.

Conclusions:

It is concluded that this work gives rise to a future agenda of linkage where such initiatives continue to be promoted, through other projects involving educational institutions in collaboration with the community.