Rare fossils repatriated from Europe and Argentina have arrived in Cariri, Ceará, Brazil, significantly enhancing the paleontological heritage of the region.
On October 25, 2023, Cariri in Ceará, Brazil, received a historic boost to its paleontological heritage with the repatriation of rare fossils that had been illegally removed from the country and were previously stored in Switzerland, Italy, and Argentina. One significant ceremony took place in Bern, Switzerland, where the Federal Office of Culture officially donated a collection from the University of Zurich's Paleontology Museum, which includes eight boxes weighing 150 kilograms that contain specimens of fish and reptiles dated to be up to 120 million years old.
The fossils are set to be housed at the Museu de Paleontologia Plácido Cidade Nuvens in Santana do Cariri, marking a crucial step in preserving Brazil's natural history and correcting past wrongs associated with the illegal removal of these specimens. Professor Allysson Pontes Pinheiro, the museum's director, played a key role in facilitating the repatriation process and is optimistic about the positive impact this discovery will have on local research and education.
This repatriation is not only significant for the scientific community but also serves as a testament to international cooperation in recovering stolen cultural heritage. The fossils will enhance the research capabilities of local scientists and provide educational opportunities for the public, highlighting the importance of protecting Brazil's rich paleontological resources.
