WMF’s attention was drawn to the cave dwellings when they were included in the 1998 and 2000 World Monuments Watch. In 2002 the J.M. Kaplan Fund provided support to WMF to assist with the development and implementation of a conservation project at the Cuarenta Casas site. The work was undertaken by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH)-Chihuahua and Fuerza Ambiental A.C. (...)
WMF’s attention was drawn to the cave dwellings when they were included in the 1998 and 2000 World Monuments Watch. In 2002 the J.M. Kaplan Fund provided support to WMF to assist with the development and implementation of a conservation project at the Cuarenta Casas site. The work was undertaken by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH)-Chihuahua and Fuerza Ambiental A.C. The worked proved to be catalytic and additional conservation work was undertaken in subsequent years, notably in the complex of Cueva Grande (2004) and Huápoca Cliff Dwellings (2004-2006), Las Rancherias (2007), and Cañón del Embudo (2008).
In addition to the support from the J.M. Kaplan Fund, funds from WMF’s Robert W. Wilson Challenge to Conserve Our Heritage were directed toward documentation, structural stabilization and consolidation of architectural elements, installation of site fencing and security, the creation of interpretative and educational programs, and improvement for visitor access and services. The development of an integrated management plan sought the integration of local landowners in the active management of the site, as well as the creation of controls by governmental and civil institutions to improve legal protection and tourism management. More recently, Cueva de la Olla was added to the conservation program in 2011 and is expected to be completed in 2012. Work at Cañón del Embudo will be finished in 2013.
