UNESCO designates Bohol Island as PH’s first Global Geopark

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 25) — Bohol Island has been recognized as the country’s first Global Geopark, the United Nations' cultural agency said Wednesday night.

In a statement, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlighted Bohol’s karstic structures, such as caves, sinkholes, and cone karst, as well as the popular Chocolate Hills.

Bohol’s Danajon Double Barrier Reef also took the spotlight, which UNESCO said is unique in Southeast Asia and one of just six documented in the world.

“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,” the agency said.

The Bohol Island Geopark welcomed the recognition on Wednesday. It also urged the public and private sectors to cooperate in “fostering the promotion and practice of geoheritage conservation, geoscience education, environmental awareness, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable development within the geopark.”

UNESCO also named 17 additional sites to its Global Geoparks network, bringing the total number of sites to 195.

Geoparks seek to influence communities in conserving geological heritage.