Why Preserve the Minor Sites? Identity, Heritage, and Urban Life Quality

Abstract

The loss of archaeological heritage results in a doubly adverse factor. On the one hand, it prevents further study of the sociopolitical evolution of past populations. In addition, the further destruction of ancient places can lead to the acceptance of a landscape lacking tangible evidence of the past and (consequently) opportunities to implement a sustainable development based on the management of local heritage. A new approach to the preservation of archaeological heritage in the outlying areas of Trujillo leads us to reconsider the role of monuments in improving the education and living conditions of the local population. To achieve this goal will require multiple stakeholders to develop new and better avenues for dialog on cultural heritage policy, but also regarding the benefits of the study, preservation and management of cultural heritage. From this perspective, the archaeological sites at risk could be subject to research and presentation to the inhabitants of peripheral urban areas, respecting the value and inherent symbolism of their heritage status but expanding their meaning to become meeting places for the local citizenry. The chapter also examines several cases of Pre-Columbian settlements affected by the growth of modern Latin American cities.