The Lourinhã Ethnology and Archaeology Group (GEAL) was founded with this in mind, as a group of friends recognized the key role paleontology and archaeology have in understanding the region’s current landscape formations. Founded in 1981, this cultural association has played a role in the establishment of the Lourinhã Museum, a natural history museum that displays dinosaur fossils and also engages in educational and research activities providing opportunities for the community to gain further insight into the topic.
The Lourinhã region’s renowned for its rich paleontological heritage, particularly after the first Lourinhanossaurus were discovered 1982 near Peralta beach. The area’s strong association with dinosaurs has not only shaped its identity but also inspired various initiatives to engage both the local community and visitors. Attractions such as Dino Parque Lourinhã play a central role in showcasing this prehistoric legacy, turning scientific discovery into educational and tourism opportunities that promote regional pride and awareness.
The field in paleontology has been defined by key events in history. Such events are surrounded by mysteries such as why did the dinosaurs go extinct and entice dino enthusiasts to come to Lourinhã for an immersive experience.
A mass extinction is defined as the disappearance of more than 50% of Earth’s species in a relatively short span of geological time. Throughout history, the planet has undergone five such events: the Ordovician, Devonian, Permian, Triassic-Jurassic, and Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinctions. Each was triggered by natural causes such as drastic climate change, volcanic eruptions, or asteroid impacts. Climate change, in fact, has always been part of Earth’s natural cycles. But what sets the current trajectory apart is the unprecedented speed and the human influence behind it. “We’re catalysts accelerating the process,” says Rodrigo Veloso, a paleontologist and operator of Lourinhã’s DinoPark. Many scientists now warn that we may be on the brink of a sixth mass extinction.
The DinoPark in Lourinhã plays an important part on consciousness-raising at the city ‘’Paleontology is not only for the movies, is all about knowing our place, preserving the patrimony and understanding the animals and the way things work today.’’
Paleontology offers valuable insight into how ecosystems have evolved over millions of years. This long-term perspective is closely tied to sustainability: by studying the past, we can better prepare for the future and anticipate potential outcomes. When history is compared to the present, striking parallels often emerge: reminders of patterns that risk repeating if not addressed.
Dinopark also offers a travelling exposition that helps educate the younger members of the public and spread awareness of the impact paleontology could have as a study field in political conversations such as climate change.
Ultimately, being able to prepare is essential and in order to do so, we need to remember everything that has already happened. Being able to remember what has happened before us is the key to safeguarding a future for the next generation to live in.
