The Forest of Pomac Historic Sanctuary, previously known as Batan Grande Reserved Zone (DS No. 031-91-ED), conserves a cultural landscape unit that includes forests and the archaeological complex of Sican. It protects the natural quality of the tropical dry forest and seeks to end the processes that are causing irreversible changes to the ecosystem; but fires are a frequent threat.
The Forest of Pomac Historic Sanctuary offers strict protection to spaces of relevant natural value and special interest sites. It contains amazing examples of cultural heritage, such as the ruins of the Sican civilization.
The presence of farmers illegally situated in the interior of the Sanctuary and the large number of communities on its border are putting a great deal of pressure on the protected area. The destruction and burning of vegetation to allow for subsistence farming, the removal of firewood for consumption and sale, and the logging of wood for the construction of homes and corrals, are all activities that are putting the integrity of the protected area at risk. The presence of cattle and goats is anotehr serious threat to the ecosystem.
The removal of wood for the construction of corrals and homes and the constant extraction of firewood by the surrounding settlers, is affecting the integrity of the natural area and the survival of the forest.
ParksWatch-Peru, March 2005.