WORLD OCEAN DAY AND ROCK ART IN LATIN AMERICA

World Oceans Day reminds us all of their important role in our daily lives.  In past societies, the water of rivers, seas and oceans was essential for the survival of human groups for thousands of years. Many aquatic spaces had a high meaning and symbolism and were physically related to these places.  In some Latin American countries such as Chile or Mexico, human populations have hunted, fished and gathered in the sea, the coast and the desert, practically uninterruptedly since at least 11000 cal. ap. Cetaceans and turtles were painted with hunting scenes. There are also puffer fish, rays, hawksbill or loggerhead turtles, sea lions and mackerel or tuna. However, climate change phenomena do not only affect the aquatic resources themselves, but also the world heritage located nearby.