Crocodiles, sharks and turtles: the urban geo-palaeontological heritage of Cagliari (Italy)

Abstract

In this paper, we report on the first project on the promotion of urban geoheritage in Cagliari, the capital of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Italy). We briefly address the history of geo-palaeontological research in the city area and outline the main phases of development in the history of Cagliari’s geo-palaeontological museum. Geotourism is an efficient method of bringing geosciences to a wider audience. For this project, we compiled a geoitinerary of the main lithotypes and fossils present within the urban territory. Miocene lithotypes are the most important materials in the edification of the Cagliari’s old town, and in the past, the quarrying activity favoured the geology knowledge of the area. The presence of abandoned quarries and natural outcrops in parks, public gardens, on the nearby coastline, and also of fossils exposed in ashlars of historic buildings, made Cagliari an excellent example to valorise the geo-palaeontological heritage using geotourism. This project showcases the importance of knowledge transfer and non-technical communication methods by converting highly technical aspects into accessible and engaging information dissemination to a wide range of audience types, including non-specialised ones.

Are Fossils Mineral or Cultural Heritage? The Perspective of Brazilian Legislation

“…Since human prehistory, there has been a relationship between human activities and the discovery of fossils, usually involving residence construction or mineral extraction (Baucon et al 2020;Fernandes 2005;Francischini et al 2020;Zoboli et al 2021). In contrast to archaeology, whose records are contained only in superficial layers, in palaeontology, cases in which the excavation of large volumes of rocks is essential to expose surfaces with fossiliferous content, where the fossils exhibit good preservation conditions, are common.…”

Geoheritage and Geoconservation, from Theory to Practice: The Ghost Town of Craco (Matera District, Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)

“…And this represents a further possibility for scientific research, also, in this macro-area. In Italy, several examples of geotouristic itineraries (e.g., [99][100][101][102][103][104]), with particular attention to geopark realities (e.g., [105][106][107][108][109][110][111]) are presented with papers highlighting the high potential of sites of geological interest. Also in this context, geo aspects (primarily represented by particular scenarios and forms) represent an attraction and component of several kinds of tourism (Cultural, Educational, Bio-and Geo-Tourism).…”

Reviewing the Palaeontological and Palaeoenvironmental Heritage of the Monti Pisani Massif (Italy): A Compelling History of Animals, Plants and Climates through Three Geological Eras

“…As a final note, we would like to reiterate that a strong synergy exists between the above efforts of outdoor conservation and valorisation, and several of the MSNUP exhibits and outreach activities. Such a mutual enhancement between palaeontologically relevant geosites and nearby museums of natural history is not exclusive of our study area, as several such examples exist worldwide, not least in Italy [122][123][124]. That said, peculiar aspects such as the remarkable stratigraphic range witnessed by the fossiliferous localities and the museum's special attention to research, tertiary education and dissemination in the broader framework of the three missions of the Università di Pisa make the integration between the MSNUP and the in situ palaeontological heritage of the Monti Pisani massif very noteworthy, and possibly unique in the Italian geocultural landscape.…”