"The history book of the desert... tragic damage"
"The worst part is the irreversible harm"
Geoglyphs with a history of over 1,000 years in the Chilean desert of South America have been continuously damaged by desert driving (racing) enthusiasts.
On the 25th (local time), local daily BiobioChile and the US daily The New York Times (NYT) reported that the non-profit organization 'Fundacion Desierto de Atacama,' which conducts research and related projects for the preservation of the Atacama Desert in Chile, confirmed numerous tire tracks on the geoglyphs located in the desert area within the Alto Barrancos archaeological site in the Tarapac? Region.
Tire tracks on desert terrain characters in Chile that are over 1,000 years old. [Image source=Atacama Desert Foundation (Fundacion Desierto de Atacama) SNS]
Photos related to this, posted on the social media of the Fundacion Desierto de Atacama, show that the damage is quite severe. Places where outlines of animals or squares could previously be seen are now covered chaotically with white lines resembling motorcycle or vehicle tire tracks, like a spider web. Some geoglyphs are so severely damaged that their original shapes are unrecognizable. Historians estimate that among these are 'heritages' believed to have been created at least 1,000 years ago.
Although some locations did not initially have tire marks, the situation has worsened recently. Gonzalo Pimentel, an archaeologist and operator of the Fundacion Desierto de Atacama, reported that he recorded the site conditions using an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone). Pimentel said, "The accumulated damage in this place, sometimes called the history book of the desert, is too tragic," adding, "I couldn't believe it when I saw the drone footage, and the worst part is that the damage is irreversible."
The Atacama Desert, considered the driest desert on Earth, has seen almost no human footsteps due to its intense sunlight and harsh environment. Thanks to this, messages left by ancient people have been preserved for thousands of years, providing various research materials for scholars worldwide.
However, recently, hundreds of racers from around the world have been flocking to the area riding off-road vehicles, buggies, and motorcycles. They conduct races with official permission, but the Fundacion Desierto de Atacama claims that some illegal races are also taking place.
Marcela Sepulveda, president of the Chilean Archaeological Society, reminded that there are no-entry signs around the archaeological site. She condemned, "Everyone should be fully aware of where they currently are," adding, "Since the geoglyphs are enormous, no one can claim they did not see them." Local media reported that the Chilean government is investigating those involved in the damage to the geoglyphs.
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