Fossils are non renewable precious natural resources, the most important evidence for people to understand the origin and evolutionary history of life, and an important carrier of fossil energy and numerous mineral resources that modern society relies on for operation. In 2017, the International Association of Paleontology (IPA) launched a call to global paleontological research and popularization institutions to designate October 11th as "International Fossil Day". Through organizing a variety of commemorative activities and promoting paleontological fossil science popularization, IPA aims to enhance public awareness of the protection of paleontological fossils.

The relevant regulations on fossil Protection

1. Strengthen the protection of paleontological fossils, promote scientific research and rational utilization of paleontological fossils.

2. Organizations and individuals who discover fossils of ancient organisms during production, construction, and other activities shall protect the site and immediately report to the natural resources department of the local people's government at or above the county level.

3. The state encourages organizations and individuals to donate their key protected paleontological fossils to eligible collection units (museums) for collection.

4. Organizations  and individuals who violate regulations by buying or selling key protected ancient fossil shall be subject to public security management penalties. If a crime is committed, criminal responsibility shall be pursued in accordance with the law.