Topic: 2025-Protecting Heritage Sites and Cultural Artifacts in Conflict Zones
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Brady Sievert
2025-Protecting Heritage Sites and Cultural Artifacts in Conflict Zones
Mexico
Brady Sievert
Protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones is a critical concern globally, however, specific information on Mexico isn’t really related to traditional conflict, larger strategies and international decisions offer guidance to possible solutions. As of 2025 Mexico Boasts 35 heritage sites within its borders, including town sites, archaeological sites, monuments, and works of art. However in the current climate as a country these sites may become collateral damage in the midst of gang violence plaguing our nation. Within our country cartels have created a monopoly on crime and corruption through their extensive influence. With over thirty-thousand people dead each year since 2018 according to the Council on Foreign Relation, as well as multiple heritage sites being closed from the public due to a mix of violent cartel activity, we as country must acknowledge that we have a systematic problem in need of solving to keep our heritage as a country safe for our future generations.
Mexico, in order to solve its rampant problem endangering the country’s national treasures, should protect its endangered heritage sites through stronger law enforcement presence against looting, increased funding for preservation of, community involvement in conservation, and collaboration with international organizations like UNESCO. Through practices aimed at maintaining historical sites like promoting sustainable tourism, and integrating heritage education, we can also safeguard these sites for future generations. Likewise, as aforementioned, education in regard to sites of importance is imperative to their survival so future generations don’t take their value for granted. By bringing light to the problem, we can foster public awareness and bring our own citizens to be more active in conservation efforts and take part in more responsible actions. This solution doesn’t stop at our country’s youth however. By informing our law enforcement on the problem facing our country we can reinforce the protection given to the historical landmarks that make our country our own.
These words might ring hollow when talking about unspecific places within our borders, but this topic has affected people personally in our country. Within the state of Chiapas, home to ancient mayan ruins like Yaxchilán, two ancient sites of ruins have been labeled as dangerous to traverse due to Cartel violence and land disputes between them. Among the risks of elevated gang activity near historical sites include; Illegal drug cultivation, construction near sites -often leading to degradation of historic structures, and Looting of artifacts and relics -which many cartels can use as an actual source of profit due to the immense value of what they may be stealing. These pilfered artifacts are able to be auctioned off on global black markets where they will likely never return to whence they came.
So as it stands, If nothing is done about our problem with the danger facing our historical monuments throughout our country. This is why it is imperative that we take decisive action now, through the enforcement of laws protecting artifacts and reimagination of our education policies, so that we have any trace of our history left over for our future generations.
