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Bohol Island Becomes Philippines' First UNESCO Global Geopark
Photo credit: Provincial Government of Bohol
Bohol Island has been officially designated as a Global Geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), making it the first and only location in the Philippines to receive this recognition.
The announcement came during the 216th UNESCO Executive Board Session held in Paris, France on May 24.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks are single and unified geographical regions where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are protected, managed, and developed with a comprehensive approach encompassing conservation, education, and sustainable development. These Geoparks are overseen by multi-disciplinary project teams focused on promoting environmental sustainability and providing educational opportunities.
Bohol's journey towards becoming a Global Geopark began in 2013 when researchers from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning identified the island province's geological karst and limestone landforms as potential candidates.
This led to a partnership with Bohol's Provincial Government in 2015, as they collaborated on research, workshops, and other preparations guided by the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO (UNACOM). In 2022, Bohol was nominated as one of the 18 potentially new Global Geoparks due to its geological significance and scientific importance.
Under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, Bohol has embraced the Global Geopark campaign since 2022. The initiative aims to create an inclusive and multi-sectoral platform that highlights Bohol as a living laboratory for arts, culture, and heritage, not just within the country but also in the region. It serves as a representation of Bohol's pride and showcases its position as a smart province built on environmental sustainability, human resource development, and innovative approaches toward global competitiveness.
This designation aligns with the Strategic Change Agenda of the Provincial Government, led by Governor Aumentado.
This agenda aims to transform Bohol into a smart province built on principles of place-based pride, human resource development, environmental sustainability, and innovative approaches to enhance global competitiveness.
The announcement came during the 216th UNESCO Executive Board Session held in Paris, France on May 24.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks are single and unified geographical regions where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are protected, managed, and developed with a comprehensive approach encompassing conservation, education, and sustainable development. These Geoparks are overseen by multi-disciplinary project teams focused on promoting environmental sustainability and providing educational opportunities.
Bohol's journey towards becoming a Global Geopark began in 2013 when researchers from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning identified the island province's geological karst and limestone landforms as potential candidates.
This led to a partnership with Bohol's Provincial Government in 2015, as they collaborated on research, workshops, and other preparations guided by the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO (UNACOM). In 2022, Bohol was nominated as one of the 18 potentially new Global Geoparks due to its geological significance and scientific importance.
Under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, Bohol has embraced the Global Geopark campaign since 2022. The initiative aims to create an inclusive and multi-sectoral platform that highlights Bohol as a living laboratory for arts, culture, and heritage, not just within the country but also in the region. It serves as a representation of Bohol's pride and showcases its position as a smart province built on environmental sustainability, human resource development, and innovative approaches toward global competitiveness.
This designation aligns with the Strategic Change Agenda of the Provincial Government, led by Governor Aumentado.
This agenda aims to transform Bohol into a smart province built on principles of place-based pride, human resource development, environmental sustainability, and innovative approaches to enhance global competitiveness.
May 25, 2023
