The Pueblo Maho Cultural Association has expressed its concern about the current situation of the archaeological heritage of Lanzarote, with special attention to the Zonzamas site.
As highlighted in a press release, in recent weeks, "some events have reactivated the debate around the site and highlighted the fragility of heritage assets." Thus, it has recalled the attack against a unique podomorphic engraving, "the slow progress of the Zonzamas site project and the controversy generated by the celebration of a theatrical performance in the place".
In relation to the act of vandalism that fractured the so-called Piedra del Majo, the association warns that it is irreparable damage. The president of Pueblo Maho, Orlando Hernández, pointed out that "it is a direct attack on the memory of the first settlers of the island", and although he acknowledged that the aggression was detected thanks to the surveillance rounds of the Cabildo's heritage service, he insisted that "it is urgent to reinforce resources and response capacity" to prevent new incidents.
This episode adds to a situation of neglect that, according to the association, had been dragging on for decades. "Although Zonzamas and its museum project were paralyzed for years, the Cabildo of Lanzarote has assured us that the works will be reactivated shortly," they say from Pueblo Maho. "We believe that it has been a consequence of institutional and political neglect that has not been able to adequately safeguard, protect and disseminate the identity roots of our people," said Hernández.
Regarding the authorized theatrical performance at the site, Pueblo Maho recalled that "the controversy generated on social networks and some media was based on incomplete information." The association explained that, after receiving the invitation from the Heritage Service to learn about the project and its protection measures, it concluded that "there was no risk to the integrity of the enclave." Hernández stressed that "Pueblo Maho would be the first to denounce a real threat, but in this case the alarm was the result of misinformation" and appealed for "public complaints to be made with verified data".
The entity insisted on the need for administrations to provide the Historical Heritage area with more staff, resources and budget to guarantee effective surveillance and adequate management. It also made a call to hikers, cyclists, hunters and all people who pass through archaeological areas to know, respect and protect them, immediately reporting any incident to the Heritage Service of the Cabildo of Lanzarote or the Seprona of the Civil Guard.
"Archaeological heritage is a living part of our history that tells us who we are and that we have the responsibility to protect and preserve for future generations," Hernández concluded.
Finally, Pueblo Maho invites citizens to join the association to collaborate in the dissemination, conservation and defense of the rich archaeological heritage of Lanzarote.
