PARIS, France — The province of Bohol has successfully maintained its designation as the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark, earning a prestigious Green Card during the 11th session of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council held in Paris from November 2 to 4.
The revalidation outcome grants the island a four-year extension of its official UNESCO status. The council session was presided over by Sophie Justice, while the Bohol Island Geopark team participated virtually, led by Manager Joanne Pinat.
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado welcomed the international validation, highlighting the collective effort behind the achievement.
“It is our joy and pride that Bohol Island received a UNESCO Green Card. This international recognition is a victory for all Boholanos,” Aumentado said.
Aumentado extended his gratitude to local government units, partners, and stakeholders for their unity and dedication to environmental preservation, noting that the status serves as an ongoing call to action.
“This recognition comes with a great responsibility to preserve and protect our natural treasures for the generations to come,” he added.
Bohol was originally named a global geopark in 2023, joining a select group of international sites recognized for geological heritage of global significance. In its designation, UNESCO highlighted the province’s rich natural features, including the iconic Chocolate Hills and the Danajon Double Barrier Reef—a rare double-barrier reef system formed by tidal currents and coral growth.
UNESCO has noted that Bohol’s unique geological identity developed over 150 million years, shaped by tectonic activity that gradually raised the island from the ocean depths.