Yesterday, November 16, we celebrated the Day for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, a date that commemorates the signing of the International Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. However, currently in our country, we have to pause the celebrations and give way to a constant reflection and dialog on the implications of establishing a day like this for the remembrance not only of our great biodiversity and historical legacy, but also of those who have devoted their lives to this country.
In Peru, we have almost learned to feel proud of our great architectural and cultural legacy, and of our biodiversity, so highly valued and recognized worldwide. Regardless of our origin or convictions, we all find in this wealth a strong motivation to recognize ourselves as Peruvians and faithful lovers of our homeland. In this space of praise and recognition, it is unusual for us to think about the key pieces that allow us to feel a kind of unity in the historical fragmentation of this country.
Thus, we have learned to value and love our historical legacy in what is aesthetically attractive and touristically revealing, but we have rarely stopped to think about what heritage includes in the social and environmental aspect for a country in process of reconstruction, with sectors little inclined to natural conservation and heritage protection, and honestly little involved, either by ignorance or disinterest, with its sustainability.
Faced with this scenario, it is important to reflect and keep in mind those people who work daily so that our heritage is kept safe for future generations: park rangers, tourist guides, communities and members of the public and private sector who have acquired a deep-rooted commitment to the country and the world, working in a committed manner for natural and historical conservation.
In the current context, it is necessary to talk about the valuable contribution of youth, who have a very strong motivation and, therefore, have tacitly assumed the responsibility to continue to ensure conservation. Hence, in the call and explicit inclusion of all of them in this task, we find alternatives and new ideas for the protection of heritage, which are always welcome. We are sure that those who love and defend the heritage will always raise their voices for what they consider fair for the country that houses it, and will be vigilant of the environmental agenda to take care of our natural home. Today, after a long time, we can say that we are writing a new stage of our history in which we work to ensure a full life for all.
