A natureza do patrimônio paleontológico da Praia do Atalaia, Amazônia Oriental, Pará, Brasil

Abstract

In this work, we propose to reflect on a specific category of Natural Heritage, the Paleontological Heritage. The analysis starts from a review of the transformations occurred in the current conceptions of cultural and natural heritage in Brazil, to problematize the various dimensions that interfere in its patrimonialization processes, in addition to contextualizing and reinforcing its social importance in a context of great complexity. To this end, based on Morin, in the method that seeks complexity through the creation of approaches, we carried out observations in different spheres: a public hearing for environmental licensing, an activity with elementary school teachers and an interview with a private fossil collector. What we could see is that the use of this heritage follows a utilitarian logic of transforming nature. Finally, we discuss about the urgency of transforming our practices on the paleontological heritage, so that we can think about it in a more comprehensive way. Connecting it to the social reality of the communities in which they operate, so that they serve people in their full exercise of citizenship.