Background on the Nazca Lines and Their Significance
The Nazca Lines, located in southern Peru approximately 400 kilometers southeast of Lima in the Ica region, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ancient geoglyphs, created around 2,000 years ago, depict various geometric shapes and animal figures that can only be fully appreciated from the air. The Nazca Lines were first discovered in 1927, and their significance has grown with ongoing research and technological advancements.
Controversial Reduction of the Archaeological Reserve
In May 2021, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture issued a resolution that reduced the Nazca Lines archaeological reserve by 40%, from 5,633 km² to 3,235 km². This decision was intended to benefit illegal miners who had been invading the area for months, according to the government.
Government’s Justification and Criticism
The Peruvian government defended the reduction, stating that there was no archaeological or cultural heritage in the affected area. However, this claim was met with criticism from experts and scholars.
- Minister of Energy and Mines, Jorge Montero: Asserted that the area lacked archaeological or cultural heritage, implying that miners could operate legally by obtaining permits.
- Dean of the Peruvian Archaeological College, Pieter Van Dalen: Criticized the minister’s statement as “very misguided,” emphasizing the importance of the Nazca Lines as a cultural heritage site.
- Former Peruvian Foreign Minister and President of the Peruvian Society for International Law, Óscar Maúrtua: Condemned the reduction as a serious matter, indicating that it sends a message of disregard for international treaties.
Reversal of the Controversial Decision
On Sunday, the Peruvian government announced the annulment of the 40% reduction in the Nazca Lines archaeological reserve. The decision restores the original area of 5,633 km², which had been cut down to 3,235 km² by the May 28 Ministry of Culture resolution.
The government will now convene a scientific discussion involving UNESCO to evaluate the extent and land use of the reserve, as stated in their official communication.
Recent Discoveries and Ongoing Research
In September 2021, a Japanese research team, supported by artificial intelligence, discovered 303 new Nazca Lines formations within six months in the Nazca Desert. This nearly doubled the previously known total of these enigmatic lines, as announced by archaeologist Masato Sakai from Yamagata University.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the Nazca Lines? The Nazca Lines are a set of large geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. They were created by indigenous people around 2,000 years ago and depict various geometric shapes and animal figures.
- Why was the archaeological reserve reduced? The Peruvian government claimed there was no cultural or archaeological heritage in the affected area, which was invaded by illegal miners.
- What is the significance of the Nazca Lines? The Nazca Lines are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and are of great cultural, historical, and scientific importance.
- What recent discoveries have been made at the Nazca Lines? A Japanese research team, supported by artificial intelligence, discovered 303 new Nazca Lines formations in the Nazca Desert in September 2021.
