View of the Junin high plateau — where the battle of August 6, 1824 — took place
CHACAMARCA HISTORIC SANCTUARY
Junin Department – Supreme Decree No. 0750–74–AG; August 7, 1974.
The Chacamarca Historic Sanctuary was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Junin Battle, which ended the Spanish presence in Peru and sealed the independence of the Americas. Its main objectives are to conserve the natural landscape, the pre-Inca archeological remains, and the flora and fauna of the area. It is located in the central Andes of Peru, at 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) above sea level on the Junin high plateau.
Present in the area are important springs that create high Andean wetlands, which are habitat and refuge for resident and migratory birds. The area also protects several herds of wild vicuñas, which offer a wonderful natural spectacle apt for the promotion of tourism.
Impact on high Andean pastures; scarce presence of the grass known as “ichu” (Stipa ichu) due to overgrazing
The main economic activity within the sanctuary is an extensive grazing by cattle and South American camelids, as well as cultivation of grasses and pastures. Currently, the Agrarian Production Cooperative “San Francisco de Chichausiri” is implementing agricultural and ranching activities within the sanctuary.
Cattle presence within the area and construction of irrigation channels and fences
Cattle raising activities carried out for years and the irrational use of pastures and other resources of the sanctuary have deteriorated the wild flora and fauna. Associated activities, such as burning of grasslands, introduction of cultivated grasses, wetlands drainage, construction of channels to irrigate introduced grasses, and construction of cattle fences generate additional impacts, including habitat fragmentation. The presence of cattle has reduced the vegetation cover and impedes grasslands recovery.
High Andean “pajonal” in good conservation status
The vegetation of the Chacamarca Historic Sanctuary is part of the high Andean landscape, the central Andes “puna.” The main plant communities are the dense pajonal of high altitude, with high Andean wetlands called “bofedales” or “oconales” and the puna grassland.
Grassland burning within the sanctuary and trash dump adjacent to it
Burning natural grasses, with the idea of promoting regeneration, destroys the organic matter found among the ichu shrubs and grasses, leaving the soil exposed to drying and erosion. Near the protected area, by its southern limit, there is a trash dump from the Junin locality. It is open and without any design or technical implementation. The wind carries the trash, especially plastic bags and paper, to the interior of the protected area creating pollution. Trash affects the fauna directly.
Circular deposits or “colcas”, pre-Inca archeological remains
The main archaeological remains in the sanctuary are the “colcas” –circular deposits lined in rows at three levels on the San Francisco hill–, the remains of an Inca settlement on the flat part of the plateau, the remains of the Inca trail Capac Ñan, and Inca sites for the cultivation of Maca (Lepidium meyenii), among other products.
pre-Inca archeological remains
The main archaeological remains in the sanctuary are the “colcas” –circular deposits lined in rows at three levels on the San Francisco hill–, the remains of an Inca settlement on the flat part of the plateau, the remains of the Inca trail Capac Ñan, and Inca sites for the cultivation of Maca (Lepidium meyenii), among other products.
Cattle fences built with stones from archeological remains. Vehicular circulation
The cattle have a negative impact on the archeological remains, on the one hand because it tramples the sites, and on the other because ranchers use the stones from the monuments to build fences and corrals. Vehicular circulation and opening of roads for commercial and personal transportation are fragmenting the habitat and impacting the landscape.
Sign at the main entrance of the sanctuary
The protected area’s objectives are: Maintain the natural landscape and preserve the human heritage represented by the archaeological, historic and cultural resources of the sanctuary. Conserve the wild flora and fauna. Conserve the Junin battle site, the monument built in honor of the fallen heroes, and the hacienda. Promote the development of the sanctuary as a tourist attraction. Provide an opportunity for research of the environmental and archaeological status of the site.
Control post (left). From left to right: Diego Shoobridge, ParksWatch; Elías Tipismana, park guard, and Duennee Martínez, volunteer park guard
The area’s administration performs constant patrols with the support of voluntary park guards. Activities such as environmental education, monitoring of birds and vicuña, and burnt grassland recovery are carried out in a less regular fashion.
Author: Diego Shoobridge, ParksWatch-Peru
November 2005