The Peruvian government's decision to reduce the Nazca Lines archaeological park by approximately 42% has alarmed experts in conservation, archaeology, and environmental advocacy. Critics warn this move will promote informal mining activities, risking both cultural heritage and ecological integrity. Although the government claims the changes reflect new scientific assessments that won't harm the site's UNESCO World Heritage status, many argue the rollback intensifies vulnerabilities to archaeological sites. Environmental lawyer César Ipenza emphasizes that this decision reflects a concerning trend towards prioritizing private interests over environmental and cultural protections.
The reduction not only removes protections-it does so precisely where extractive activity is expanding, potentially causing serious risks and cumulative damage to archaeological heritage.
This is a weakening of both environmental and cultural protections. The state should be upholding its commitments under international agreements, not yielding to private interests.
Collection
[
|
...
]