In 1999 close to the town of Altamura a site was discovered with a concentration of dinosaur footprints that was equivalent or superior to those on any site known to date in the world. In 2000 other footprints were discovered on the Gargano peninsula, whilst in 2002 a site was identified close to Giovinazzo. This was followed in 2006 by the site at Molfetta. The abundance and diffusion of ichno-fossils of Mesozoic vertebrates throughout the Apulian platform suggests the continuous occupation of these animals during the Mesozoic period of the areas today occupied by the Gargano, Murge and Salento. The abundance of finds (17 sites) requires substantial commitment and funding.

The intention is to undertake the scientific study and valorisation of the geo-site of Molfetta. This will take place on two fronts, that is the study, recovery and conservation of the footprints, and a naturalistic investigation, both aimed towards the creation of a geo-park (pilot site for the tutelage of all analogous sites) to be used by experts in the field and open to the general public. During 2009 the site was cleaned and fenced and a 3D laser scanner survey was carried out.

In the following months during 2010 a museum will be set up. The most important ichno-species will be scanned in order to identify them and reproduce them at life-size using a three dimensional printer.

These activities will be coordinated as part of the “Dinosauria Adriatica” project, financed by the “Bollenti spiriti Giovani idee per una Puglia migliore” project (Regione Puglia. Assessorato alla cittadinanza attiva) in collaboration with the Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of Bari (Director: G. Baldassare). Requests for future funding and cooperation have been made to international research institutes such as the Polish Geological Institute, the Istituto Català de Paleontologia (Spain) and the Jurassic Foundation (USA).