High expectations on the new Free State Dinosaur Center

There is high expectations that the launch of a new, R120 million (€ 5.8 million) Dinosaur interpretation center, that emphasizes the scientifically important fossil discoveries of South Africa, will support the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in its free state to become an internationally recognized tourist destination.

The KGODUMODUMO Dinosaur Interpretation Center-one of the largest infrastructure projects implemented by the Department of Tourism by the Ministry of Tourism, was co-financed by the government and the European Union officially opened by the Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille and forestry, fishing and the Minister of Environment Dion George on June 22.

It includes various fossil exhibitions, interactive displays, timelines and life -sized dinosaur models, which draw attention to the many important paleontological discoveries in the park and the surrounding areas. The discoveries-all known in the scientific community hits that of the world’s oldest fossilized dinosaurusembryos that belong to Masspondylus CarinatusA five -meter herbivore that Nestled in the free state 200 million years ago.

“This facility is a wonderful addition to our various tourism range and will provide repeated visits, keep visitors longer and, more importantly, help visitors to spend more money on our fascinating destinations,” said Lille at the launch.

The center is named after a mythical monster named Kgodumodumo (which means ‘great giant’ in Sesotho), as described in the introductory video of the center that offers a link to the rich story culture of the local Basotho people.

Jonah ChoiniereProfessor in comparative paleobiology at the University of the Witwatersrand, which leads research into the paleontological findings of the area, said that the aim of the center is to draw attention to the undervalued but rich prehistoric history of the region.

“There are few other places in the world that retain so many fossils from the Jurassic period. The scientific community knows that this is a dinosaur hotspot. But the goal here is to tell this story to South Africans and international tourists while bringing elements of the Basotho culture in this,” Choiniere said.

He said that efforts are also underway to have the fossil sites on Golden Gate designated as a national heritage site with the possibility of future UNESCO world heritage status.

‘Compelling reason’ to visit SA

Fedhasa National Chairman Rosemary Anderson The center described as an “iconic addition to the tourist portfolio of South Africa”.

She said: “In addition to our natural beauty and rich history and culture, this paleo enthusiasts gives a compelling reason to visit South Africa, the free state, the charming town of Clarens and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.” The center enriches the existing paleontological stories of South Africa, Anderson added.

“South Africa is generally recognized as the birthplace of humanity – the birthplace of modern humanity. Not only are we the home of the origin of humanity, but now we can claim that we are at the boundary of the understanding of prehistoric life on earth. It is a powerful memory of the exceptional depth and width of our country.”

The launch marked the transfer of the management of the facility at Sanparks. After several delays in the construction process, the final opening of the facility is a “river basin” moment, said Paddy GordonPark manager at Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

“There were so many aspects that had to be brought together by different agencies-from traditional leadership to the scientific community, architects, surrounding communities and provincial and national departments. To see it as the highlight, this facility of world class makes it all worth it,” Gordon said.

Spotlighting Communities

De Lille said that, in addition to creating 113 employment opportunities during construction, 15 tourist guides from the community have been trained by the Ministry of Tourism.

She described the facility as a “catalyst for a broader development of tourism in the national economy of the free state”. The center will be added in the global and domestic marketing campaigns of SA Tourism, added the Lille.

“Our goal is now to stimulate international consciousness. We have to diversify tourism in terms of the source markets we reach and the development of exciting new products such as these,” she said.