Onde o tempo vira rastros, e o sertão, museu vivo: Proposta de requalificação do Vale dos Dinossauros em Sousa-PB

Abstract

The natural monument known as Dinosaur Valley in Sousa, Paraíba, is one of the most important paleontological sites in the world, and plays a significant role in the city's economic, symbolic, and cultural development. However, the site faces the challenge of empty tourism, where the spectacularization of dinosaur images overshadows the site's profound historical and environmental value. Therefore, this work proposes a preliminary study for the redevelopment of the space, aiming to recover and integrate the memory of the city and transform the Valley into a vibrant and meaningful space, to provide an experience that goes beyond a brief visit. The proposal seeks to promote an authentic connection between the existing paleontological patrimony, the vital axis (the Fish River), and the surrounding biome (the Caatinga). Through sustainable strategies, the project aims to create infrastructure and interpretive narratives that not only attract tourists more consciously but also brings the local population closer to the history of their own heritage. The methodology adopted in this study includes a bibliographic review and detailed documentary and spatial survey to ensure that the new project reflects the needs and identity of the Sousense population. Essentially, the redevelopment proposal seeks to revive the region's history, using the potential of geotourism to promote local development and build a space that simultaneously serves as a scientific resource for the city and an integrated cente