Under the scorching sun of the Aragonese summer, Teruel has once again been the scene of a meeting of brilliant minds and passionate hearts for geological heritage. The VIII Conference on the Promotion and Defense of the Geological Heritage of Teruelwhich closed this weekend, have brought together experts, enthusiasts and curious people in a series of activities that have not only highlighted the beauty and uniqueness of the landscapes of Teruel, but also the urgent need to protect them.
From the pre-opening in Alcañiz with the visit to the salt lagoons and their river paleochannels, to the emotional closure in Castellote and AbenfigoThe sessions offered a deep immersion into the region’s natural treasures. “We are consolidating the event very well; the number of guests is growing every year, and the response from the public is getting better and better.”, said Luis Moliner, coordinator of the conference, in an interview with Radio La COMARCA.
Javier Escorza giving explanations during the visit to the salt lakes of Alcañiz on August 18./ COParticipants of the conferences at the site of dinosaur footprints in Abenfigo./ LM
Tributes and renowned lectures
One of the highlights of these days was the tribute to Dr. Enrique Peñalver Molláan internationally renowned paleontologist who has dedicated much of his career to the study of fossil insects preserved in Teruel sites. “It was an extraordinary conference, where he presented us with fascinating advances on amber from Teruel and its fossil content, including dinosaur feathers and mammal hair.”, Moliner recalled with evident admiration.
Enrique Peñalver, paleontologist at IGME-CSIC, during his tribute lecture./ LM
The presentation of the Pixelated Paleontology photographic exhibition in Estercuel The exhibition also captured the attention of visitors. With an unexpectedly high attendance, the exhibition revealed how inanimate objects, such as fossils, can be transformed into true works of art, uniting science and aesthetics in a visual dialogue that has been acclaimed even internationally. «Inanimate things such as fossils and pieces of stone have been transformed into works of art»commented the coordinator of the conference.
Between science and community
Beyond scholarship, These conferences have been characterized by their ability to integrate local communities, uniting science and society.. Activities have spread to both large towns and small villages, ensuring that geological heritage is not just a topic for experts, but a legacy shared and valued by all. “It is a very productive merger”said Moliner, stressing the importance of involving the community in the protection and dissemination of its natural environment.
Furthermore, concern about the state of conservation of the sites visited was a recurring theme. In particular, the Visit to the El Barranquillo fossil sitewhich was initially planned as a protest action, was transformed into an act of satisfaction thanks to recent conservation interventions. “What was going to be a somewhat vindictive visit is going to be a visit of satisfaction and to applaud the good decisions that have been taken”he added.
Paleontologist Rafael Torres explaining during the visit to the fossil trunk site of ‘El Barranquillo’ in Castellote on August 24./ LM
With an eye on future editions, Moliner is already outlining what the ninth edition of the conference will be like, anticipating that will focus on a type of geological heritage still unknown to many, but no less fascinating.Although it is still too early to reveal details, his words suggest that Teruel will continue to be a benchmark in the dissemination and defence of its natural heritage. “It is a very unknown and surprising topic. When people find out about it, they cannot believe that this is in Teruel.”, he commented.
These days have demonstrated once again that Knowledge and love for the land can go hand in handwhile generating awareness and action for the preservation of a legacy that, although often hidden, is invaluable.
