Chavin (Archaeological Site)

a) Intense temperature fluctuation;

b) Rain and winds;

c) Biological and microbiological growth;

d) Water erosion and destabilisation of one of the main structures;

e) Lack of a management plan.

The World Heritage Centre received the annual conservation report from the State Party in January 2007. The report provides an update on the conditions prevailing at the property, derived from the systematic assessment undertaken within the framework of the management plan. The State Party has continued its interventions at the national and regional level for the conservation and protection of the property, in spite of significant budgetary constraints during 2006. Activities focused on preventive conservation, particularly in areas at risk, concentrating on emergency works for the Galerias El Lanzon and Doble Mensula, which had been affected by the strong rainy season. In addition, several areas were intervened to enhance the protection of the property, specifically perimeter walls that limit the property at the West Field and the La Florida Sector. Emergency preparedness actions were undertaken to mitigate impacts from the rainy season. These included habilitating a drainage system and setting polyethylene fabrics on portions of the property that were susceptible to infiltration.

Archaeological research continued at the property, by Stanford University, at the Monumental area, La Banda Sector and at the town of Chavín. These works continue to provide important information to enhance the understanding of the property’s cultural significance.

Regarding the Committee’s request, development of the Management Plan has continued, having carried out three of the planning phases to date, only pending final review and editing of the proposals. Progress to date is at approximately 70% and it is expected the plan will be finalised by the fall of 2007. Within the planning initiative, two field sessions were carried out with the planning team to assess the state of conservation of the property, its significance and to engage in a participatory discussion for the zoning proposals and projects for the long term conservation of the property. The multi-stakeholder meetings convened representatives from public and private institutions on the national, regional and local level, as well as representatives from the Municipality and local communities. A consensus was reached with the communities and town of Chavín in regards of the future of the property and regulations pertaining to land use in surrounding areas and protection of archaeological remains within the town. It was important to have the representatives from La Banda and La Florida sectors who endorsed the proposals. No further conflicts have risen between these communities and the national entities in regards to land use at the area after the meeting. However, no information has been received relating to the identification of any possible route for the road that crosses this site at present.

An awareness workshop was carried out with the communities, which was well received. Similar activities have been considered within the management plan to promote awareness-raising in heritage endeavours. Also, within the context of the planning process, a broad consultancy and open collaboration was established with the Municipality to guarantee its commitment and participation with the implementation of the Management Plan, particularly in regards to regulating land use and new construction permits. An agreement was subscribed within the National Institute of Culture and the Municipality of Chavín in this respect.

Another important issue reported on is progress on the construction of the Chavín National Museum. It is the result of intergovernmental collaboration between Peru and Japan. Plans and designs have been completed but, unfortunately the World Heritage Centre has not received any information as to the structure of the construction to gauge its potential impact on the property. Construction work will begin in April 2007 and its completion is expected for 2008. Furthermore, the World Heritage Centre has not received a copy of the Emergency Plan or the Chavín Conservation Project.