PBS NewsHour reports on efforts to protect Peru’s ancient cultural sites for “Culture at Risk” series

PBS NewsHour’s chief correspondent for arts, culture and society Jeffrey Brown reports from the northern deserts of Peru on efforts to protect the region’s ancient sites from the heavy rains caused by the unpredictable weather phenomenon known as “El Niño.”

“El Niño” causes heavy rains to fall in the northern deserts of Peru, normally one of the driest regions on the planet. These storms, which occur at irregular intervals and are difficult to predict, damage the property and endanger the lives of modern Peruvians. They also damage the many archaeological sites that pepper the landscape, including the ancient site of Chimu Chimu–the largest adobe city in the world.

Jeffrey Brown reports on efforts to protect Chimu Chimu, and other sites like it, from the detrimental effects of “El Niño.” Brown speaks to local archaeologists about the techniques they use to preserve ancient structures and murals, many of which are adapted from the techniques used by the artisans of antiquity. Brown also interviews oceanographer Francisco Chavez, who sheds light on scientists’ efforts to understand the irregular and unpredictable phenomenon known as “El Niño.” This report airs on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014 (check local listings).

This report is part of the PBS NewsHour series “Culture at Risk.” View our previous “Culture at Risk” broadcast reports here.

PBS NewsHour’s “Culture at Risk” coverage is funded by the J. Paul Getty Trust and the National Endowment for the Arts. Art Works.

About PBS NewsHour

PBS NewsHour, co-anchored by Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff, is seen by over four million weekly viewers and is also available online, via public radio in select markets, and via podcast. PBS NewsHour is a production of NewsHour Productions LLC, a wholly-owned non-profit subsidiary of WETA Washington, D.C., in association with WNET in New York. Major funding for PBS NewsHour is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS and public television viewers. Major corporate funding is provided by BAE Systems, BNSF and Charles Schwab with additional support from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the J. Paul Getty Trust, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, National Science Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Friends of the NewsHour and others. More information on PBS NewsHour is available at www.pbs.org/newshour. On social media, visit www.facebook.com/newshour on Facebook or follow @NewsHour on Twitter.