Relationships between the Taboãozinho faxinal community in Prudentópolis (PR, Brazil) and the Pinheiro de Pedra geosite – appropriation and geoconservation

Abstract

This paper discusses how the community of Taboãozinho has promoted the appreciation, dissemination, and conservation of paleontological heritage in its territory through the Pinheiro de Pedra geosite. The socio-spatial characteristics of the community in synergy with the geopatrimonial heritage and geoconservation give the tone of the singularity of the natural landscape and its territory. Through bibliographic and documental surveys, participative diagnosis, and interviews with local people, we identified factors that point to the process of cultural appropriation of the geosite by the community. We detected that the care with the fossil logs and the maintenance of the collection of legends, stories, and cultural manifestations about the "stone pines" are actions that culminate with the protection of heritage and its dissemination. Based on this study, educational and cultural valorization actions were promoted in partnership with other organizations, enabling advances in the development of geotourism and appreciation of the region's cultural heritage. The historical knowledge of the presence of fossil trunks, associated with legends, stories, and cultural manifestations about the "stone pines", in addition to actions of care and conservation of the heritage are factors that point to a process of cultural appropriation by the community with the geosite.