Bohol’s geological story stretches back millions of years, but its next chapter depends on decisions being made today. Following a UNESCO revalidation mission in August 2026, the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark is strengthening efforts to connect landscape protection, tourism and community livelihoods.
A Historic First, a Continuing Commitment
Designated on May 24, 2023, Bohol Island became the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. The recognition connects its geological heritage with education, cultural traditions and sustainable development.
UNESCO describes an island whose geological identity developed over approximately 150 million years, shaped by tectonic movements that raised ancient marine formations above the sea. Limestone caves, coastal terraces and rolling hills preserve evidence of that transformation.
The designation requires continuing work. UNESCO reassesses its global geoparks every four years, examining management, conservation and community participation. Bohol’s 2026 preparations included developing geotrails, reviewing its management plan and involving municipalities and the Eskaya Indigenous Cultural Community in discussions about stewardship.
Reading the Landscape Beyond the Viewpoint
The Chocolate Hills remain Bohol’s signature attraction, but their significance extends beyond a photograph. Their limestone formations reveal the relationship between ancient seas, uplift and erosion, offering guides an opportunity to explain how landscapes change.
Along the northern coast, the Danajon Double Barrier Reef adds another dimension. UNESCO identifies it as Southeast Asia’s only double barrier reef and one of six documented worldwide, recording approximately 6,000 years of coral growth. Its ecological value connects geological heritage with the fisheries that sustain coastal communities.
Bohol’s wider geosite network includes the Alicia Schist, Lamanoc Island, cave pools in Anda and uplifted coastal features in Maribojoc. Together, these places offer opportunities to spread visitor interest beyond the island’s busiest destinations and give local guides more stories to tell.
Keeping Communities at the Centre
For Bohol, meaningful geotourism depends on how residents participate. At its April 2026 management meeting, the geopark council discussed connecting locally made products with individual geosites and strengthening cooperation with community organisations.
A June forum brought municipal tourism officers together to align tourism plans with biodiversity conservation. Researcher Dr Reizl P. Jose encouraged approaches grounded in scientific research and environmental education, including using bat research to develop engaging stories for visitors.
Conservation also requires clear limits on development. Responding to proposed changes affecting Chocolate Hills protection, Bohol geologist Karl Michael Din cautioned: “I just hope we understand that karst environment has limits, and those limits should guide how we decide and act.” His words underline the need to match tourism ambitions with the landscape’s capacity.
Connecting Global Recognition with Local Protection
Bohol’s designation sits alongside a broader Philippine conservation system. The country’s official biodiversity information platform lists 251 protected areas, with approximately 4.59 million hectares of land and 3.30 million hectares of sea within the National Integrated Protected Areas System as of 2025. These include several protection categories, rather than 251 national parks.
UNESCO recognition and domestic protection serve complementary purposes: one encourages integrated stewardship and international cooperation, while national measures provide the framework for managing protected places.
Bohol’s opportunity is to make that connection visible in everyday life—through informed guiding, carefully planned development and communities that benefit from protecting their surroundings. The landscape has already earned global attention; sustaining it is the work ahead.
