Context:

Salkhan Fossil Park, also called Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has recently been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This development marks a major step towards international recognition of India’s geological heritage.

About Salkhan Fossil Park:

Located in Salkhan village near Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, the park spreads over 25 hectares in the Kaimur Range and holds fossils dating back as far as 1.4 billion years.

·        One of the most remarkable features of Salkhan Fossil Park is its collection of stromatolites. Stromatolites are layered sedimentary formations created by ancient cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. These microorganisms carried out photosynthesis and are among the earliest known life forms on Earth.

·        The stromatolites preserved in Salkhan belong to the Mesoproterozoic era, which dates from around 1.6 to 1.0 billion years ago. These fossils are significantly older than those found at globally famous sites like Shark Bay in Australia or Yellowstone National Park in the United States.

·        The scientific importance of these fossils is considerable. For decades, researchers believed that complex life on Earth emerged only about 570 million years ago. However, the discoveries at Salkhan challenge this assumption and offer new perspectives on the evolution of Earth’s earliest biosphere and oceanic ecosystems.

·        The site provides evidence that life existed much earlier, making it a critical landmark in understanding our planet’s biological history.

Conservation and Development

• The Government of Uttar Pradesh allocated INR 1.5 crores for infrastructure development, including:
• Nature trails
• Visitor interpretive centres
• Security facilities
• An MoU was signed with the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, to support scientific research and documentation.

About the UNESCO Tentative List

The Tentative List is an inventory of cultural and natural heritage sites that a country intends to nominate for UNESCO World Heritage status. Every country submits its Tentative List to the World Heritage Centre.

·        A site proposed for inclusion must demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value, meaning it should have exceptional cultural or natural significance that transcends national boundaries.

·        The Tentative List must be submitted at least one year before an official nomination can be made. Countries are also encouraged to revise and update their lists periodically, usually every ten years.

Conclusion:

Salkhan Fossil Park is not just a site of scientific interest but also a potential hub for geotourism. It offers researchers, students, and visitors a unique opportunity to observe some of the oldest evidence of life on Earth, making it a treasure trove for paleontology and geology alike.