Aspirant Academy

Geography

Predicted Questions with Model Answers

UNESCO Geo-parks and Geo-heritage Sites: Potential of Rajasthan

Paper II · Unit 3 Section 13 of 14 0 PYQs 38 min
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Predicted Questions with Model Answers

Q1 (5 marks — 50 words)

What is a UNESCO Global Geopark? Why does India have no such designation yet?

Model Answer (EN): A UNESCO Global Geopark is a protected area with internationally significant geological sites, managed for conservation, education, and sustainable geo-tourism. Established in 2015, there are 213 geoparks in 48 countries. India lacks the designation due to absence of dedicated geo-heritage legislation, weak management infrastructure at candidate sites, and unclear inter-ministry jurisdiction over geological monuments.

Q2 (5 marks — 50 words)

Describe the geological significance of the Akal Wood Fossil Park in Jaisalmer.

Model Answer (EN): Akal Wood Fossil Park, located near Jaisalmer, contains 25 fossilised tree trunks approximately 180 million years old (Jurassic period). Declared a GSI National Geological Monument in 1974, the park provides evidence of a lush tropical forest in what is now a desert — offering crucial palaeoclimatic data. It is Rajasthan's strongest candidate site for future UNESCO Geopark nomination.

Q3 (5 marks — 50 words)

What is the difference between a National Geological Monument and a UNESCO Global Geopark?

Model Answer (EN): A National Geological Monument is declared by GSI under administrative orders — it carries no statutory enforcement and provides limited legal protection. India has 34 such monuments. A UNESCO Global Geopark is an internationally recognised designation requiring a comprehensive management plan, community participation, and sustainable geo-tourism infrastructure. Rajasthan sites like Akal qualify geologically but lack the management framework needed for UNESCO status.

Q4 (10 marks — 150 words)

Assess Rajasthan's potential for UNESCO Geopark designation. Which sites qualify and what steps are needed?

Model Answer (EN): Rajasthan has remarkable geological heritage spanning 1.6 billion years, making it one of India's strongest candidates for a UNESCO Global Geopark. As of 2024, India has zero UNESCO Geoparks despite submitting its first nomination (Lamheta Ghat, Jabalpur) in 2022.

Key candidate sites in Rajasthan:

  1. Akal Wood Fossil Park (Jaisalmer): 180-million-year-old Jurassic tree fossils — GSI National Monument since 1974; strongest candidate
  2. Jaisalmer Basin: Rich marine Jurassic fossils (ammonites, belemnites, echinoids); existing tourism infrastructure
  3. Barmer Basin: Cretaceous dinosaur fossils and wood fossils; palaeontologically significant
  4. Bundi Stromatolites: 1.6-billion-year-old microbial mat fossils — among India's oldest; exceptional scientific value
  5. Mandore (Jodhpur): Jurassic theropod fossil evidence confirmed by GSI

Steps required:

  • Legislative framework: Enact a dedicated Geo-heritage Protection Act — currently lacking; geological monuments have no AMASR-equivalent law
  • Management plan: Develop visitor centres, interpretive trails, and local community involvement at candidate sites
  • Inter-ministerial coordination: GSI, MoEFCC, state tourism, and tribal affairs departments must align
  • Geo-tourism infrastructure: Accommodation, guides, and digital information platforms — leverage Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020's geo-tourism mention
  • Academic backing: Commission detailed geological surveys and UNESCO Geopark dossier preparation

Successfully obtaining UNESCO designation for a Rajasthan cluster geopark would enhance geo-tourism revenue, provide international conservation funding, and boost the state's scientific education credentials.

Q5 (5 marks — 50 words)

What are stromatolites? Why are the Bundi stromatolites scientifically important?

Model Answer (EN): Stromatolites are layered sedimentary structures formed by ancient cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and represent Earth's earliest known life forms. The Bundi stromatolites are approximately 1.6 billion years old (Proterozoic era), making them among India's oldest biogenic fossils. They provide direct evidence of early microbial life in what is now Rajasthan and are invaluable for astrobiology research.