Strengths of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu presents a series of strengths some of which stand out:

• Icon of the pre-columbian civilizations
  The citadel of Machu Picchu, with its image as the icon of pre-Columbian civilizations, with a high level of tourist attraction already introduced in the world as tourist product, makes it a worldwide known site. Any action taken would be disseminated and known very rapidly, making it possible to effectively lead any initiatives in the management of its natural and cultural resources, as weaknesses begin to come apparent due to the demographic and tourism growth.
  
  

• Sustainability to Finance  Master Plan and other  activities in critical areas is guaranteed
  Given the situation where visitors come to the HSMP by different means, traditional transportation or the world known Inca Trail, the sustainability of any initiative of management of its surroundings to mitigate the environmental impacts is guaranteed. Also the sustainable development of agricultural activities, tourist services, or of urban development in the surroundings with an adequate planning, is feasible given the financial resources available due to the entry fees charged to all visitors at present.
  
  

• National Tourism Symbol
  Being the main reason for foreign visitors to visit the country, its visibility is vital in getting the authorities and the current government to make a priority out of the implementation of the Master Plan, to avoid the risk of creating a bad image of the country due to a depredation of the site, and consequently hurting  tourism, as a major employment generator in the region.
  
  

• Legal Framework
  There is an adequate legal framework established by the National Protected Areas Law and its regulations.  The International Conventions  subscribed by Peru like the “Man and Biosphere” and “Cultural Heritage” as well as the Biodiversity convention establish the international framework  which  Peru must comply.  The Master Plan’s approval by decree in 1998 only cements this commitment.
  
  

• Documentation and Information Bank
  There is an  inventory, technical studies and enough documentation on the MPHS which has been documented by the Programa Machu Picchu (PMP) to establish a broad enough Data Bank of prior research, comparative data and up –to –date analysis to permit the establishment of a working agenda on research initiatives.