File photo of Bohol
MANILA, Philippines — Bohol Island has been recognized 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.
“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.
Aside from Bohol, the other newly-named Unesco Global Geoparks are:
- Caçapava Unesco Global Geopark in Brazil
- Quarta Colônia Unesco Global Geopark in Brazil
- Lavreotiki Unesco Global Geopark in Greece
- Ijen Unesco Global Geopark in Indonesia
- Maros Pangkep Unesco Global Geopark in Indonesia
- Merangin Jambi Unesco Global Geopark in Indonesia
- Raja Ampat Unesco Global Geopark in Indonesia
- Aras Unesco Global Geopark in Iran
- Tabas Unesco Global Geopark in Iran
- Hakusan Tedorigawa Unesco Global Geopark in Japan
- Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark in Malaysia
- Waitaki Whitestone Unesco Global Geopark in New Zealand
- Sunnhordland Unesco Global Geopark in Norway
- Jeonbuk West Coast Unesco Global Geopark in the Republic of Korea
- Cabo Ortegal Unesco Global Geopark in Spain
- Khorat Unesco Global Geopark in Thailand
- Mourne Gullion Strangford Unesco Global Geopark in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland