Retos en la gestión del patrimonio paleontológico en Castilla y Leónel caso del yacimiento devónico de Colle

Resum

This paper deals with the problem of the management of the palaeontological sites in Castilla y León Autonomous Region inventoried as Sites of Geological Interest and which, therefore, belong to the geological natural heritage. In this regard, the problems related to regional regulations are briefly described. Subsequently, and as a case study, the heritage situation of the Devonian marine invertebrate site of Colle (Boñar, León), which is included in the Spanish Inventory of Sites of Geological Interest (IELIG), is described. This site is of major scientific and historical importance, although this fact has not made its conservation any easier. At present, this site is being degraded by both natural (vegetation growth) and anthropogenic (erosion caused by indiscriminate cattle grazing and, especially, by plundering) vulnerability. Considering the different variables that are affecting the site, a management plan has been designed consisting of several overlapping strategies. This plan has the backing of the Town Council of the municipality where the site is located and has constantly sought the support of the local population.