Image from: Provincial Information & Media Office
The Geopark Management Council convened for its second meeting on November 27, 2024, at the National Museum of the Philippines – Bohol. The meeting was presided over by Governor Aris Aumentado, who chairs the council. Joining him were DENR PENRO Bohol representative Raul Paler, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) Head Jovencia Ganub, and Geopark Program Manager Joanne Pinat.
The meeting began once a quorum was established, and the council revisited the key points discussed in their previous meeting held on May 28, 2024, at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Capitol Building. Among the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the 2024 Geopark accomplishments, which included numerous initiatives aimed at promoting and preserving Bohol Island as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Program Manager Pinat reported on a range of activities undertaken in 2024. These included the orientation of the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants (BAHRR) about the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark, and the province’s participation in the Regional Ecotourism Committee 7 Meeting, as well as the ceremonial launching of ECO7PASS in Negros Oriental.
Additionally, Bohol Island Geopark made strides in public education, including the turnover of the Geopark Information Booth to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Carmen at the Chocolate Hills Complex, and the GEO-CULTURAL EDUCATION CAMPAIGN in collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines – Bohol.
Other significant activities included a tree-planting event during World Wetland Day at Canawa Cold Spring in Candijay, a clean-up drive for World Water Day in Barangay Punta Cruz, Maribojoc, and the Geopark’s participation in the International Training Course of IRCK Karst and Climate Change, which was attended by Resident Geologist Karl Michael Din. The first Bohol Island Geopark Youth Camp was held through the Bohol Danajon Geoconservation Youth Leaders Bootcamp in Bien Unido, empowering the younger generation to take an active role in conservation.
The council also received updates on conservation efforts, including geosites monitoring, inspection, and assessment activities, and the establishment of the first National Geoparks Committee, aimed at assisting aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks across the country. BPEMO Head Jovencia Ganub and Geologist Karl Michael Din are members of the committee. Among the achievements was the successful implementation of a Sisterhood Agreement between Bohol Island UGGp and Rinjani-Lombok UGGp, which focused on disaster risk reduction, sustainable tourism, and geological heritage conservation.
The meeting also covered several partner-driven initiatives, such as the “Pagmatngon sa Kabatan-onan Kauban sa Kinaiyahan” environmental program, the Geocontest “Pinta sa Sugilanon,” and the Sandugo Quiz Bee, all designed to engage the community in the promotion of local heritage and environmental conservation. The council also highlighted the Bohol Island Geopark’s participation in various international forums, including the UNESCO IGCP – 4GEON Project Meeting in Ngorongoro-Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark.
Geosite managers from various local government units (LGUs) reported on the status of their respective geosites. The LGU of Loon, for instance, reported on the Loon Marine Uplifted Terrace, a geosite formed during the 2013 earthquake, which, although not currently a tourism site, is protected through strict environmental policies. Governor Aumentado encouraged the LGU to collaborate with local communities and organizations to develop the geosite into an educational and research destination, generating income while preserving its ecological value.
The LGU of Sagbayan, which experienced damage to the Chocolate Hills during the 2013 earthquake, was advised to explore ways to make the site a tourism destination that tells the story of its geological history. This idea was supported by Raul Paler of DENR PENRO Bohol, who recommended that the proposal be taken to the PAMB (Protected Area Management Board) meeting in the first quarter of 2025.
The LGU of Talibon presented plans for the Danajon Bank Interpretive Center and cultural heritage initiatives, which are supported by the provincial government’s funding to promote the protection of the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef.
The meeting concluded with a presentation on Geopark’s 2025 budget and targets. Program Manager Pinat emphasized the importance of clear resource allocation for the sustainable management of the Geopark. The council underscored the significance of collaboration between local governments, educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations in advancing Bohol’s environmental conservation and sustainable tourism goals.
Governor Aumentado reiterated his commitment to preserving Bohol’s natural and cultural heritage under the UNESCO Global Geopark framework. He urged LGUs to think creatively about how local communities can benefit from the geosites in their areas, noting that, through effective management and collaboration, communities could gain both livelihood opportunities and the protection of their unique geological resources.
By: Mary Lou Regis/ The Provincial Information and Media Office