Bohol was among the 18 new Unesco Global Geoparks named on May 24, 2023. - PDI
MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): Bohol Island has been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) as the Philippines’ first Global Geopark.
Bohol was among the 18 new Unesco Global Geoparks named on Wednesday (May 24).
“The island’s geological identity has been pieced together over 150 million years, as periods of tectonic turbulence have raised the island from the ocean depths,” Unesco said in a statement.
It highlighted the “karstic geosites such as caves, sinkholes, and cone karst, including the famous cone-shaped Chocolate Hills in the center of the geopark.”
Unesco also took note of the Danajon Double Barrier Reef, a one-of-a-kind geological formation in Southeast Asia and one of the six documented double barrier reefs worldwide.
“Tourism is growing in the area, which is a prime eco-cultural destination thanks to its white sand beaches, diving spots, magnificent geological formations, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage,” it said.
Its traditions and culture prove how its people adapted to their natural environment,” Unesco added.
The Bohol Island Geopark welcomed the “groundbreaking decision” to recognize it as one of the 195 Unesco Global Geoparks.
“May this milestone inspire us more to collaborate for the sustainable development of our geopark and serve as an inspiration for other regions and provinces in the Philippines to follow suit,” it said in a separate statement.
