Peru at Expo 2012 Yeosu

A gigantic squid from Peru is shown at the Peruvian pavilion. According to the embassy, those caught are between 4-5 meters long, and exported to countries including Korea. / Courtesy of Embassy of Peru

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Alberto E. Massa, commissioner general of Peru at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, contributed the following article to The Korea Times on the occasion of Peru's Independence Day which falls on July 28. - ED.

The presence of Peru in Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea implies the acceptance of its ruling principles: the preservation of the resources of the sea and the harmony that must prevail between the oceans and the coast.

Peru has assumed this compromise in a serious and responsible way. That's the reason why we feel proud to be among the 106 countries that have decided to take part in this international exhibition, intended to set a milestone in the efforts of mankind to make of the earth a safer and enjoyable place to live, for the sake of present and future generations.

The Peruvian pavilion, with an area of 441 square meters, has been designed to introduce those who visit it on the horizon of the sea of Peru.

Its undulating and flexible architectural forms, its nuances that bring to mind the glow of aquamarines, the echo of its sounds and melodies, as well as their suggestive colors, take the visitor to this Latin American country that, like Korea, directs its gaze toward the Pacific Rim, which is a two-way highway for the meeting of peoples.

The theme of the pavilion,Peru, "Surfing into the Future", symbolizes the high degree of development reached by the Peruvian economy, its promising dynamics and stability, the same stability as demonstrated by our athletes as they slide on their boards on the waves of the beaches of Peru.

With less than 0.1 percent of the surface of the oceans, the Peruvian sea produces 10 percent of world fisheries. This amazing biodiversity comprises a total of 2,848 marine species. One of the main resources is the anchovy – Peru makes 15 percent of the world catch (about 6 million tons per year) – and the giant squid (Illex) – about 150,000 tons per year.

The contents of the pavilion are given by scientific topics related to the theme of the Expo "The Living Ocean and Coast", and also by cultural aspects.

Those who visit it will have the opportunity to free their imagination to make a trip to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

Inside, they may climb in a simulated manner to the high peaks of the Andes and have their picture taken in front of this mysterious citadel of stone, one of the New seven Wonders of the World.

They will also be able to get information about commerce and tourism, to take a look at a display of photographs and a "horse of reeds", an ingenious vessel with which the fishermen in northern Peru surfed the waves centuries ago. Those who wish may portray themselves at the foot of a giant wave about to break.

A restaurant has been implemented in the pavilion, where the visitors can enjoy the main dishes of the rich Peruvian cuisine like cebiche (a seafood dish), among other delicacies.