Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Ancient Fossil Site in India Seeks UNESCO Heritage Tag
Salkhan Fossil Park in India has really old, layered rock structures called stromatolites.
These were made by tiny, ancient bacteria.
Scientists are working to get this park special protection from UNESCO because it's so important for understanding Earth's history.
Salkhan Fossil Park in Uttar Pradesh, India, is home to ancient stromatolites.
Stromatolites are layered structures formed by ancient cyanobacteria, dating back up to 3.6 billion years.
The park's stromatolites are estimated to be between 1.4 to 1.6 billion years old.
BSIP, Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, and Forest Department are working together to document the park for a UNESCO World Heritage nomination.
Salkhan Fossil Park was included in UNESCO's tentative list in June 2025 under the natural heritage category.
- Who
- BSIP, Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, and Forest Department
- What
- Documenting Salkhan Fossil Park for UNESCO World Heritage nomination
- When
- Ongoing, with a UNESCO tentative list inclusion in June 2025
- Where
- Salkhan Fossil Park, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Why
- To preserve and recognize the global significance of the ancient stromatolites
- Age of Stromatolites
- Up to 3.6 billion years old
- Estimated Age of Salkhan's Stromatolites
- Between 1.4 to 1.6 billion years
- Size of the Park
- About 25 hectares
- Number of Distinct Stromatolite Clusters
- Five
- UNESCO Status
- Included in the tentative list (June 2025)