Bohol has been designated the first Global Geopark in the Philippines, joining geologically significant international locations and landscapes.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved the addition of 18 new locations from around the world, including the Philippines, to its network of outstanding geoparks. These locations showcase some of the world’s most stunning natural landmarks.
With the 18 new designations, there are now 195 UNESCO Geoparks in 48 countries with a combined surface area of 486,709 square kilometers—that’s twice as big as the UK.
“For the first time, two UNESCO member states join the network: The Philippines and New Zealand,” UNESCO stated in a statement.
The other new Worldwide Geoparks are Cacapava and Quarta Colonia (Brazil), Lavreotiki (Greece); Ijen, Maros Pangkep, Merangin Jambi and Raja Ampat (Indonesia); Aras and Tabas (Iran); Hakusan Tedorigawa (Japan); Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu; Whitestone Waitaki (New Zealand); Norsk Sunnhordland; Jeonbuk West Coast (Republic of Korea); Cabo Ortegal (Spain); Khorat (Thailand), and Mourne Gullion Strangford (Joined Realm of Incredible England and Northern Ireland).
Bohol Island’s Worldwide Geopark status was reported during the 216th meeting of UNESCO’s chief board, which was held in Paris, France.
According to the UN agency, tectonic turbulence has raised Bohol Island from the ocean floor over 150 million years, forming the island’s geological identity.
Caves, sinkholes, and cone karst are just a few examples of karstic geosites found throughout the geopark, which is also home to the well-known Chocolate Hills, which are shaped like cones and are located in the park’s center.
UNESCO portrayed the Philippine region as having “grand and fluctuated landforms and underlying highlights.”
It stated, “The Geopark features the only barrier reef in Southeast Asia and one of the six double barrier reefs in the world.”
In 2015, “geological heritage of international significance” was given the designation of UNESCO Global Geopark.
Geoparks serve nearby networks by consolidating the protection with public effort and a manageable way to deal with improvement.
Featured photo from TripSavvy