A natureza complexa do patrimônio paleontológico da praia do Atalaia, munícipio de Salinópolis, Pará, Amazônia Oriental, Brasil

Abstract

In this research, we reflect on Paleontological Heritage as a specifically complex heritage category that is inserted in environmental, cultural and mineral policies. The analysis starts from a review of the transformations in the conceptions of cultural and natural heritage in Brazil, to problematize the various dimensions that interfere in the processes of heritage patrimonialization, besides contextualizing and reinforcing its social importance in a context of great complexity. We will look specifically at the paleontological heritage of Atalaia Beach, which is one of the main beach resorts in the state of Pará, receiving tourists from all over Brazil and the world every year. The region's patrimony is formed by an expressive fossil record from the Brazilian marine Cenozoic, dating from 23 to 25 m.y., representing the transgressive moment of advance and retreat of the Atlantic Ocean over the continent. The fossils found are mainly of marine invertebrates and vertebrates, such as manatees, rays, sharks, gastropods and fishes. Thus, the main objective of this work is to investigate and analyze the paleontological heritage of Atalaia Beach, seeking to relate and communicate among themselves the subjects, environmental context and cultural heritage. To this end, based on Morin, in the method that seeks complexity through the creation of avenues of approach, we carried out observations in different pheres: a public hearing for environmental licensing, an activity with elementary school teachers and an interview with a private collector of fossils. The results presented in the form of two articles point out that a) the use of this heritage follows a utilitarian logic of nature transformation; b) we highlight a complex network of environmental, economic and social issues that must be considered when any project of valorization, education or even of analysis of the paleontological heritage of Atalaia Beach is intended; c) we point out the urgent need to transform our practices in relation to paleontological heritage, so that we can think and act upon it in a more comprehensive way, conceiving it as a fundamental right which contributes to the full exercise of citizenship.