Proposes for the Parque Paleontológico de São José de Itaboraí (Brazil) Preservation by the Public Understanding

Abstract

The São José de Itaboraí Basin is considered a geological heritage due the richness of invertebrates and vertebrates fossils, specially the late Paleocene mammals, which spread through the Earth about 57 Ma ago, after the Late Cretaceous extinction events. The geological heritage of the area was first protected through the Parque Paleontológico de São José de Itaboraí (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil), established in 1995, which is currently being revitalized including the construction of a cultural center for scientific exposures. In this context, was analyzed the São José de Itaboraí public understanding about the paleontological park. The population of the area considers that the park lacks diffusion of the information and infrastructure. The public understanding is that the Parque Paleontológico de São José de Itaboraí is not efficient in the protection of the geological heritage or changing the perception of the local population about the importance of the area. This study analyzes geoconservation and musealization strategies for the geological heritage, territorial planning and management, educational programs and geotouristic activities.