Concerns Rise as Peru Cuts Nazca Lines Park by 42%: What It Means for Heritage and the Environment

Peru Narrows Nazca Lines Park: Concerns Grow Among Experts

Peru’s recent decision to reduce the size of the Nazca Lines archaeological park has raised serious concerns. The park, famous for its ancient geoglyphs, has seen its protected area shrink by 42%, equivalent to about 1,400 soccer fields. Environmentalists, archaeologists, and advocates for cultural heritage are alarmed.

Critics worry this move could open the door for informal mining, which may put both the site and the surrounding ecosystem at risk. Mariano Castro, former vice minister of the environment, expressed that the decision could lead to significant damage, especially as it excludes areas with active mining claims.

Castro pointed out that current protections for archaeological sites are already weak, particularly as artisanal mining becomes more common. “The Ministry of Culture has not considered the cumulative impact of numerous mining projects on vulnerable archaeological zones,” he added.

A recent report by the Ministry of Culture claims the adjustment is based on updated scientific research. However, experts like César Ipenza, an environmental lawyer, argue that this change undermines Peru’s international commitments to safeguard cultural properties. The new boundaries reduce the Nazca zone by over 1,000 hectares, a substantial cut to its protection.

Ipenza noted that there seems to be a troubling pattern of regulatory ease for informal miners. He described a growing alliance between the government and these sectors, suggesting that legal frameworks are increasingly adjusted to benefit them.

“Illegal mining operations continue to exploit this historic area, and the government should be focused on preserving it,” he stated. This sentiment is echoed on social media, where many users express their outrage, highlighting the need for stronger conservation efforts over mining interests.

On May 30, the Ministry of Culture officially reduced the Nazca reserve’s area from approximately 5,600 square kilometers to nearly 3,200 square kilometers. They stated that this change does not affect the UNESCO World Heritage designation, but many question the reliability of that assurance.

A day after the decision, Minister of Culture Fabricio Valencia acknowledged the ongoing issues with illegal mining within the reserve. He insisted that the new measures will not encourage further damage, though many remain skeptical.

Experts warn this move may violate Peru’s own laws governing environmental impact assessments, which prioritize the protection of historical heritage. “This adjustment benefits those who seek to exploit the area while disregarding the country’s rich cultural legacy,” Ipenza noted.

The Nazca Lines are not just a national treasure; they represent a unique part of human history, etched into the desert landscape by ancient civilizations thousands of years ago. As Peru grapples with balancing development and conservation, its decisions will shape the future of this significant archaeological site.

For more detailed insights on this situation, you can access reports from reputable sources like UNESCO.

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César Ipenza,Mariano Castro,World news,Fabricio Valencia,environment,Climate