Peru shrinks Nazca Lines reserve by 42%—sparking environmental and cultural concerns

Peru’s decision to shrink its archeological park home to the famous Nazca Lines by around 42%—an area roughly the size of 1,400 soccer fields—has sparked alarm among conservationists, archaeologists and environmental advocates.

Critics say the rollback paves the way for informal mining and weakens decades of cultural and ecological protection, while the government says the adjustment reflects updated scientific studies and does not compromise the UNESCO World Heritage status or the site’s core protections.