The importance of the Museu dos Dinossauros in the development of the Peirópolis – Uberaba (Minas Gerais): diagnostic for paleontological tourism

Abstract

The Museu dos Dinossauros was constructed in Peirópolis in 1992, with the aim to preserve the fossiliferous heritage of the Triângulo Mineiro (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Since then, tourists from Brazil and from many parts of the world visit the region, searching information about the fossils. This continuous practice attracted public and private institutions to Peirópolis. In consequence of this, occurred in the local space a flourishment of the social and economic relationships. In this context, this study analyses the perception of the place experts (the local population and people who have some knowledge of the community) about the social, environmental, cultural, and economical changes. Also, this study observed the necessities for a sustentable paleontological tourism in Peirópolis.