Why in News : On 26 June 2025, Salkhan Fossil Park (officially Sonbhadra Fossils Park, Uttar Pradesh) was added to the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites for its rare Precambrian-era fossil record and contribution to Earth’s evolutionary history.
Key Highlights:
Location:
- Situated in the Kaimur Range, part of the Vindhya mountain system, adjacent to the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
Geological Age:
- Fossils date back approximately 1.4 billion years (Precambrian era).
- Among the oldest and best-preserved stromatolite sites in the world.
Global Recognition Basis:
- Complies with IUCN 2020 Guidelines for geo-heritage under “Evolution of Life”.
- Aligns with UNESCO 2021 framework for sites representing the history of Earth and early life evolution.
Scientific and Heritage Significance:
Stromatolites:
- Fossilized microbial mats formed by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
- These organisms were responsible for the Great Oxidation Event, the first time oxygen accumulated in Earth’s atmosphere.
- Varied forms—domal, columnar, stratiform—indicate shifts in water depth, sedimentation, and wave activity.
Precambrian Fossil Record:
- The park helps fill the “Precambrian gap” in the World Heritage fossil registry.
- Precambrian period accounts for ~85% of Earth’s history, but is underrepresented in global fossil sites.
Geo-Education Potential:
- Acts as a living classroom for earth science, paleontology, and climate history.
- Could boost geo-tourism and awareness of deep-time Earth evolution.
India’s Geo-Heritage Push:
- Adds momentum to India’s effort to globally recognize its geo-heritage diversity.
- Complements other UNESCO sites like Bhimbetka, Lonar Crater, and Western Ghats in showcasing India’s natural and evolutionary history.
Challenges and Way Forward:
- Protection: Requires strong conservation from mining, construction, and illegal fossil collection.
- Documentation: High-quality geological mapping and academic outreach needed.
- Integration: Must link with local communities through eco-tourism, skill-building, and awareness.
- Legislation: Need for a dedicated Geo-Heritage Sites Act (currently lacking) to prevent encroachment and degradation.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS):
A WHS is a location recognized by UNESCO for its “outstanding universal value”, under the World Heritage Convention.
Categories:
- Cultural Heritage
- Natural Heritage
- Mixed Heritage (both cultural and natural)
Selection Criteria:
- Must meet at least one of several criteria, such as:
- Human creative genius
- Cultural/historical significance
- Architectural, ecological, or geological importance
- Exceptional natural beauty or biodiversity
- Also judged on authenticity, integrity, protection, and management.
World Heritage Convention:
- Adopted in 1972, came into force in 1975.
- Establishes guidelines for site selection and protection.
- Created the World Heritage Committee (WHC), World Heritage Fund, and List of World Heritage in Danger.
India’s Participation:
- India ratified the World Heritage Convention in 1977.
| Possible Mains Questions: What is the significance of India’s fossil heritage in understanding Earth’s history? Discuss with reference to the recent inclusion of Salkhan Fossil Park in the UNESCO Tentative List. |