Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Philippines
Sustainable Management International Forum and Bohol Island Geotrails in celebration of World Soil Day
The Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark International Forum with the theme Sustainable Management of Geoparks: Raising Awareness, Empowering Partners, and the launching of the Bohol Island Geotrails in celebration of World Soil Day. Over 180 individuals from seven countries have registered to participate via Zoom and on-site at the Bellevue Resort, Panglao, Bohol. Organised by team members from the Bohol Island UGGp, Philippines, Karl Din, Jovencia Ganub.
International Disaster Risk Reduction Day
TV-covered celebration of the International Disaster Risk Reduction Day and 4GEON project presentation together with the Commemoration of the 2013 Bohol Earthquake at the Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
International Geodiversity Day Celebration in the Philippines
Celebration of the International Geodiversity Day at The Buzz, Abatan River together with the partners and members of the Geopark Technical Working Group in the morning, and Bohol Culture and Education Summit 2023 in the afternoon together with culture and education advocates and university and high school students and teachers. The International Geodiversity Day was also launched in the said events.
Expert Networking in the Philippines
Gender and Development Alignment Meeting and Preparatory Meeting for the celebration of International Geodiversity Day with the UNESCO Philippine National Commission and the Centre for Neighborhood Studies Philippines.
Celebration of World Tourism Day in the Philippines
Celebration of World Tourism Day with the students and faculty of the Hospitality Management Department of Mater Dei College in Tubigon, Bohol. Organized by team members from the Bohol Island UGGp, Philippines, Karl Din, Jovencia Ganub.
Bohol progress presentation
Presentations, talks, geobus visits, integration of geopark concepts in science classes, cooperation with universities, museums, empowering the youth.. Great progress in the Philippines!
Keynote Speech at Loon Institute Science and Mathematics Fair 2023, Philippines
Celebration of the University of Bohol – Loon Institute Science and Mathematics Fair 2023, where the Geopark Geologist was invited as a keynote speaker and introduced both Bohol Geopark and 4GEON project. The University is an active partner and supporter of the Geopark.
New Geo-education Activities in the Philippines
Geo-educational Tour and Geosite Assessment with students at Holy Name University and Bohol Island State University and Geoscience Training for Science Teachers in Candijay, Bohol. The first two days were dedicated for lectures and practical exercises while a special tour visiting the geosites in the town of Candijay and Alicia was organized on the third day. Participants also visited active quarries of the Bohol Ophiolite Complex.
Philippines Networking and Collaborations with Other Geoparks
Sharing of experience on networking and collaboration with other Geoparks specifically the implementation of the 4GEON Project during the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Let’s Do It Zoom Meeting hosted by the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
Seminar on the Bohol Geopark
Promoting Bohol’s Geological Heritage through Geotourism - presentation to 2nd-year Hospitality and Tourism Management students at Holy Name University by team members Karl Din and Jovencia Ganub.
Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education, Bohol
Discussions on the proposed Memorandum of Agreement with the DEPED Bohol Division legal officer and program supervisor.
Bohol Arts Culture and Heritage Council Presentation
Presentation of Geopark and 4GEON Project by the Bohol team at the Bohol Arts Culture and Heritage Council.
About the geopark
Bohol Island Geopark, the first UNESCO geopark from the Philippines, is located in the central Philippines and consists of Bohol island with an area of 4,117 km2, which is a home for 1.3 million Boholanos, who contribute to its identity, but at the same time create pressure on local ecosystems. The industries in Bohol have historically been formed by its climate, geographical position, and geology, with the predominant role of agriculture and fishing. Small-scale and home- based weaving and food processing add to the local cultural heritage. Bohol is predominantly underlain by limestone formations and sedimentary rocks which account for extensive karst terrains throughout the island. This led to the formation of unique phenomena such as the Chocolate Hills and its extensive cave systems, cave pools, ruptures, waterfalls, marine terraces, and a double barrier reef – one of few double reefs in the world and the only barrier reef in Southeast Asia. Due to the dynamic geologic and tectonic history, the local diverse flora and fauna involve a multitude of endemic species. Just as its diverse nature, traditions, and culture of indigenous people such as the Eskaya Tribe show how over centuries people adapted to the surrounding natural environment.
No surprise, Bohol attracts scientists and leisure visitors, both local and from abroad. The tourism industry is a fast-growing economic sector in the province which is gaining fame as an eco-cultural destination offering magnificent geological formations, rich biodiversity, cultural heritage such as churches built centuries ago by Spanish colonizers, white sand beaches, crystal-clear sea and infrastructure for diving sports. The government and the local community are at the crossroad between the sustainable path which may provide less income in the meantime but preserve the unique values of the area, or intensify its exploitation by mass tourism, mining activities, industrialized forms of agriculture or fishing. Participation in the project may raise awareness about the values at stake among locals, educate about the possible consequences of short-sighted choices, and fuel self-identification with the place, in harmony with the principles of UNESCO geoparks.