Its strategic and well defined geographical position at the crossroads of a large span of pre-Hispanic and colonial settlements so precariously close to uncontrolled urban and agricultural development; its precious treasures of geoglyphs, lithic structures, stone workshops; its wildlife and breathtakingly beautiful scenery make it a most valuable natural and prehistoric landscape and thus an important research base for archaeologists, ecologists, geologists, and anthropologists concerned with urban development and the environment.
Peru is a signatory to the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and should be bound to preserve all its archaeological sites.
My request for help presumes that international pressure may lead the local people and authorities to realize the treasure they are destroying and includes organizing a petition to send to Peruvian authorities, mobilising the international community of archaeological professionals and amateurs to research this spectacular site, and seeking aid and development organisations' help to solve the urban-growth problem which so menaces the historical and natural environment.
While Ulf Bertilsson, ICOMOS President of the International Rock Art Committee has pointed out "the crucial issue" of the risk of destruction of Rock Art by tourism, it is imperative to honour the UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Preservation of Cultural Property Endangered by Public or Private Works which considers "that cultural property is the product and witness of the different traditions and of the spiritual achievements of the past and thus is an essential element in the personality of the peoples of the world…"
Successful programs of protection and sustainable development can allow cultural heritage to generate life-saving revenues - and pride. Peru has so much to be proud of- and should be encouraged to save it.
Suggestions and help will be very much appreciated. For more information please contact: Victor Corcuera Cueva muchics@hotmail.com or Melissa Massat, cmelissapt@hotmail.com.
