Chan Chan (Peru), The Earthern City. The Threat to the Cultural Landscape of a World Heritage Site

Abstract

The present research identifies, reads and analyzes the degree of transformation and loss of the cultural landscape of the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex in Trujillo (Peru), inscribed on the World Heritage List but considered in danger by UNESCO. The objective of the study is focused on the reading of the landscape of Chan Chan, as well as on the analysis of the actors and managers involved in the transformation of the integrated rural-urban landscape. Through a holistic and multidisciplinary methodology, geographic information systems (GIS) and cartographic viewers were applied, allowing to obtain a detection, analysis and processing of the main urban -environmental problems which affect the buffer zone and highlight the loss and vulnerability of the cultural landscape. The research is focusing on mobility, density and solid waste; these being the most significant. The approach to the transformation and impact around these indicators allowed us to determine and define a proposal for strategic guidelines that will allow safeguarding and revaluing the image of the cultural landscape of Chan Chan so that the site can be removed from the endangered list. The key elements of the proposal are a specific project for the regulation of the buffer zone; the protection of existing agricultural areas; the displacement north of Chan Chan of the heavy traffic heading north of the country; the enhancement of the huachaques and their enormous potential for the preservation of the natural environment and biodiversity.