Peru’s Ministry of Culture has announced a plan to shrink the Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs Archaeological Reserve from 2,175 square miles to 1,236 square miles—a reduction of more than 40 percent. The decision, formalized in a May 28 resolution, has drawn sharp criticism from archaeologists, environmentalists, and former officials, who argue it removes protections from areas where informal mining is expanding. Vice Minister Moira Novoa Silva cited economic development and community participation as motivations, but critics say the move violates Peru’s environmental impact assessment law and could damage the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The controversy matters because the Nazca Lines are one of the world’s most significant archaeological treasures, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Shrinking the reserve could legitimize unregulated mining in sensitive zones, potentially destroying ancient geoglyphs that have survived for over 2,000 years. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between cultural heritage preservation and economic interests in Peru, with environmental lawyers warning that the government is weakening protections to benefit private and informal mining sectors.