The Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) warned that the Taruga Geoglyphsthe archaeological site The Walls and the Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca They are at “critical risk” due to conservation problems, informal occupation and damage associated with climate phenomena. According to the report issued on December 12, the heritage sites present deterioration of surfaces, erosion, accumulation of sediments and uncontrolled vegetation, which demonstrates that maintenance measures are insufficient to guarantee their preservation in the medium and long term.
What are the main observations?
The inspections carried out on December 2 and 3 showed damage to the Nasca Lines and Geoglyphs by water flow after the activation of streams, both in the tourist viewpoint area and in the area declared World Heritage. At the viewpoint of the Ingenio district, the “The Root” geoglyph and a trapezoidal figure show traces of erosion by runoff.
“In particular, the rains that occurred at the beginning of the year have generated runoff that has affected certain sectors of the geoglyphs, partially erasing segments of the figures and altering the precision of the original lines. This phenomenon has caused surface erosion in specific areas, compromising the integrity of some geoglyphs,” indicated the CGR.
On the other hand, in the Taruga Geoglyphs, informal occupation was detected with precarious constructions, pig farms and plantations within the intangible zone. Although the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Icawith police support, carried out evictions and removed rural homes; structures and corrals still remain due to the resistance of some residents.
“This situation highlights the persistent problem of occupation of intangible areas, which requires continuous extrajudicial eviction procedures and reinforces the vulnerability of the site to anthropogenic effects, compromising its conservation and protection in the medium and long term,” the entity noted.
While, in The Wallsthe Comptroller’s Office confirmed walls with cracks, eroded bases, collapsed sections, graffiti and risk of structural weakening due to anomalous rains. The site lacks perimeter fencing and permanent surveillance, which facilitates the accumulation of solid waste, construction debris and vehicle traffic that increases the risk of additional damage.
They warn of a lack of resources
The person responsible for the Nasca Lines and Geoglyphs Management System attributed the damage to the February rains that activated the San Martín stream. However, the Comptroller’s Office pointed out that inter-institutional actions have been limited.
“Although there is a Management Plan that contemplates the execution of specific actions for the preservation of cultural heritage, these have not been implemented due to the lack of budgetary resources, since there is no exclusive budget for the execution of the ‘Management Plan: Management System for Cultural Heritage in the territory of Nasca and Palpa,'” said the CGR.
The agency also indicated that it requested information on the level of implementation of the plan, but the request was not met until the date of issuance of the report, which shows deficiencies in the coordination and monitoring mechanisms. Finally, the Comptroller’s Office communicated the situation to the Minister of Culture, Alfredo Luna, and gave him a maximum period of five business days to report on the preventive or corrective actions adopted or to be adopted.
