The Ministry of Culture of Peru announced on May 5 that it has recovered approximately two hectares of protected land that had been illegally occupied in the Pampas del Padre Aban sector, within the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex. The intervention involved removing makeshift structures such as posts and barbed wire, which officials said indicated an attempt to unlawfully appropriate this archaeologically significant space.
Authorities reported that the area is designated as intangible, meaning all occupation or intervention is prohibited due to its archaeological value. During the operation, one foreign national acting as a guard was detained at the site. Officials also observed fencing activities with sticks and wires near Colegio Militar Ramón Castilla, which they said directly affected cultural heritage.
Specialists from the Ministry of Culture worked alongside officers from the National Police of Peru to carry out the operation. The ministry confirmed that security was maintained throughout and that proceedings concluded peacefully without incident. Residents from neighboring areas joined in support of the intervention, demonstrating what officials described as active citizenship in defense of cultural heritage.
Christian Arbaiza Mendoza, director of La Libertad’s Decentralized Directorate for Culture, said: “Nos alienta la participación espontánea de los vecinos en esta intervención. Este tipo de acciones se suma a iniciativas impulsadas por diversos sectores, como las jornadas de limpieza en la vía de Evitamiento. El cuidado de nuestro patrimonio es una responsabilidad compartida.”
The Ministry reminded citizens that unauthorized interventions in archaeological zones are subject to penalties under current regulations and reiterated its commitment to defending and conserving Peru’s cultural heritage.
The Ministry fosters social inclusion by protecting heritage and promoting diversity across Peru; it utilizes decentralized facilities and museums alongside its San Borja headquarters to support programs; it operates as an autonomous ministry within the Executive Branch under ministerial leadership; it promotes cultural identity while combating discrimination and advancing intercultural dialogue; and it serves communities nationwide, according to the official website.
