The Pisco-Ica desert in Peru is home to some of the most spectacular fossil beds in the world, with skeletons of 12 million year old sharks, whales and other marine animals lying on the surface, waiting to be discovered. 

In 2012 the DAKAR Rally drove through the Pisco-Ica desert in Peru and many scientifically important fossils were destroyed by the motorbikes, cars, trucks and quad bikes which raced over them. Peru has stated it will host the Dakar Rally in 2015 and it is likely contestants will again race over these unique fossil beds in the Pisco-Ica desert. It is important these fossils are protected, not only for Peru, but for the people of the world.