Why in the News?

Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has been recently added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites.

About Salkhan Fossil Park:

Location: It is located in Salkhan village, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
Fossil Significance: It is renowned for its stromatolite fossils, ancient layered structures formed by cyanobacteria through photosynthesis.
Age of Fossils: These fossils are estimated to be up to 1.4 billion years old, dating to the Mesoproterozoic era.
Scientific Value: Preserved in Bhander limestone of the Vindhyan Supergroup, the site is one of the world’s richest Proterozoic rock collections.
Significance:
- Evolutionary Insights: The fossils offer key evidence of early microbial life and events like the Great Oxidation Event, helping us understand Earth’s early biosphere.
- Ecological Context: It lies within the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, enhancing its ecological and conservation value.

Definition: It is a country’s inventory of sites proposed for future inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Nomination Process: A site must be on the Tentative List for at least one year before formal nomination.
Evaluation Criteria: Sites are assessed for natural, cultural, or mixed heritage value, based on global significance.
India’s Status: As of June 2025, India has 63 sites on its Tentative List, spanning ecosystems, monuments, and landscapes.
Benefits of Inclusion: While not guaranteeing World Heritage status, inclusion raises awareness, improves funding, and strengthens conservation.

[UPSC 2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:

1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya

How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four