Peru’s Ministry of Culture has enacted regulations allowing private investment in cultural sites, sparking widespread concern among experts. Ministerial Resolution N° 188-2026-MC formalizes the rules for Legislative Decree 1699, intended to encourage economic growth through cultural investment. Critics argue the regulations prioritize financial profit over preservation, potentially leading to the commercialization of the nation’s cultural heritage. Concerns center on the potential for historically significant locations to be exploited for economic gain, diminishing their cultural value. Cultural managers warn the new rules could gradually transform Peru’s heritage into a private business venture. The decree’s implementation is already facing opposition from those who believe it compromises the protection of national treasures.
