A Sky-High Ruined City Leads the Pack with Sustainable Actions
5 May 2021
The Incan Legacy of Sustainability
The Incas were remarkably ahead of their time. They constructed roads over impassable Andean mountains, built extensive trading empires while others engaged in warfare, and turned agriculture into a sophisticated science. Therefore, it is only fitting that Machu Picchu, Peru’s greatest archaeological monument, aims to become the first carbon-neutral wonder of the world.
Sustainable Initiatives at Machu Picchu
The Peruvian government is diligently working to progressively lower emissions – targeting a 45% reduction by 2030 and achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2050, in alignment with the Paris climate agreement. Effective waste and water management projects, spearheaded by multinational companies and local communities, have set the stage for further initiatives, including the ambitious plan to plant a million trees in the cloud forest surrounding the majestic site.
Hydroelectric Power and Biodiesel Innovations
Moreover, below the ruins lies a hydroelectric plant powered by the Urubamba River, which sustains the lush landscape of the Sacred Valley. Local restaurants are also making strides by converting used cooking oil into biodiesel, significantly contributing to a more sustainable tourism model.
Preserving a Cultural Heritage
These significant measures have allowed Machu Picchu to remain off UNESCO’s list of in-danger sites due to unsustainable practices. Researchers speculate that climate change may have influenced the rise of the Incas in the 12th century; their cosmology, much like that of their present-day descendants, reflects a deep reverence for the earth and the sun. Hiking trails and high-altitude railways are already enhancing low-carbon transport across the region; therefore, transitioning shuttle buses to alternative fuels may be the next milestone.
Conclusion
The ambitious plans underway at Machu Picchu will receive independent certification from the NGO Green Initiative, ensuring ongoing accountability. As these sustainability practices are implemented, the spirit of Pachamama, the Incan goddess of fertility, will undoubtedly be watching over their progress.
