Expanded Protected Zone Around Nazca Lines in Peru Reduced by Half, Sparking Concern Among Archaeologists
The recent reduction of the protected area surrounding the Nazca Lines National Park in Peru has sparked concerns regarding the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, archaeological discoveries, and potential mining exploitation.
Impact on the UNESCO World Heritage Site:
The Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its large ancient geoglyphs dating from 500 BCE to 500 CE, rely heavily on protection to preserve their fragile surface and surrounding environment. Reducing the protected zone undermines these conservation efforts, making the site more vulnerable to damage from increased human activity, environmental threats, and unauthorized access.
Concerns for Archaeological Discoveries:
The Nazca region has recently yielded significant archaeological finds, including pre-Incan tombs with 1,000-year-old remains, revealing the area's rich cultural heritage. A smaller protected area could hinder ongoing and future archaeological research and increase the potential for looting, vandalism, or destruction of undiscovered sites.
Potential Mining Exploitation:
The reduction of the protection zone is reportedly linked to enabling mining and other extractive operations, putting the delicate archaeological and natural environment at risk. Peru has faced challenges related to illegal mining and environmental degradation, including deforestation and violence against indigenous leaders defending territories, highlighting the risks linked to reduced protections and increased exploitation.
Recent Discoveries and Concerns:
In 2023, four additional finds were revealed through a combination of field surveying and artificial intelligence at Nazca. The ministry announced the discovery of a cat etching dating back to 200 BCE-100 BCE, making it the oldest known geoglyph in Nazca. Environmentalists and former representatives of Peru's Culture Ministry have expressed concerns about the potential exploitation of the Nazca Lines by the mining industry.
In 2022, 168 newly-identified geoglyphs were added by the same team at Nazca. In 2019, a team of Japanese researchers from Yamagata University found over 140 geoglyphs at Nazca, including images of lamas, a two-headed snake, birds, and alpacas. The reduced Nazca Archaeological Reserve now covers 1,235 square miles.
Minister's Statement:
Fabricio Valencia, Peru's culture minister, described the reduction of protections as "an update" that "responds to the need to more accurately reflect the relationship between the geoglyphs and the physical features recorded in the area, ensuring their protection and preservation."
Historical Context:
The Nazca Lines, created approximately 2,000 years ago, are a group of monumental geoglyphs spread across 600 square miles of desert floor. The battle over Peru's mineral resources could potentially affect the depictions of hummingbirds, orcas, monkeys, and the recently discovered cat among the Nazca Lines.
Implications for the Future:
Shrinking the protected area around the Nazca Lines threatens the integrity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, jeopardizes archaeological research and preservation, and opens the door to environmentally and culturally harmful mining activities in one of Peru's most iconic heritage zones. It is crucial to find a balance between economic development and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites like the Nazca Lines.
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