Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is sourcing urgently needed funding for high-priority scientific conservation of Chavín artifacts throughout the region surrounding Peru’s Chavín de Huántar. With an estimated 600 sculptures, ceramics and artifacts at risk of looting and neglect, GHF is promoting a complete inventory, cleaning and conservation of the entire collection of ancient objects currently stored in sheds and homes in the area.

During the past year, GHF has also helped with the scientific excavation and conservation of the Main Circular Plaza, as well as three other monument and underground gallery complexes. GHF also funded emergency site conservation necessitated by new road construction and unearthed major new settlement and temple complexes across the valley from the main site of Chavín.

GHF is working in partnership with the Pskov State Department of Restoration and leading Russian archaeologists from Pskov, Moscow and St. Petersburg to develop Izborsk’s first site management plan to be submitted for UNESCO World Heritage nomination, and to complete archaeological conservation and authentic restoration for this jewel of Russian history. The site is in critical need of conservation as deterioration rapidly accelerates as mortar and roofing disintegrate. The region’s extreme weather cycles of rain, snow and freezing and thawing continue to erode Izborsk’s last remaining walls and towers.