Świętokrzyskie Mountains (POLAND)

Reviving Through Discovery – Where dinosaur tracks bring a valley back to life In the Świętokrzyskie Mountains of Poland, a story about the past has reshaped a valley’s future. When geologists confirmed dinosaur tracks near Bałtów, local people saw more than stones. They saw a chance to bring visitors, jobs and pride to a rural area that had few options. From this idea, JuraPark Bałtów, the country’s first dinosaur park, grew. Life-size reconstructions based on science show what once walked here. Around them, a wider Bałtów Tourist Complex has taken shape: a dinosaur museum, Poland in Miniature, outdoor science workshops, a beekeeping village, a safari park and nature-based activities such as cycling routes and “questing” trails. Nature and culture both matter here. The park protects key palaeontological sites and supports biodiversity projects, including care for endangered species like the European bison. Festivals such as the Bee Festival turn big themes into fun, easy moments for families. Education is at the heart of the work. Children join palaeontology workshops, museum lessons and outdoor classes that build respect for the environment. Most staff come from nearby communities, local suppliers are involved, and many young people get their first job here, with year-round employment growing over time. Tourism makes this model real. Tickets, stays and activities keep funds circulating locally, support ongoing improvements in waste and energy use. This helps Bałtów prove that a park can repair, not just consume, nature.