- Geopark gets UNESCO Green Card recommendation; Chocolate Hills becomes first Philippine site in IUGS heritage list
BOHOL strengthened its standing on the global geoheritage map after the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark received a Green Card recommendation for another four-year designation while the Chocolate Hills became the first Philippine site included in the International Union of Geological Sciences’ prestigious list of Geological Heritage Sites.
The twin recognitions came just days apart in Europe, underscoring the international significance of Bohol’s geological heritage and reinforcing calls for stronger conservation, geoeducation and sustainable tourism.
The Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark was recommended to retain its global designation for another four years after receiving a Green Card from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council during its 11th session at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, on November 2–4, 2026.
Days later, “The Karstic Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island, Philippines” was formally announced as part of the Third 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites during the IUGS Geoheritage Event held on November 3–8, 2026 in Algarve, Portugal.
The Chocolate Hills became the first site from the Philippines to be included in the internationally recognized IUGS list, giving Bohol another distinction in global geoscience and conservation.
UNESCO GREEN CARD
Bohol’s Green Card recommendation followed the geopark’s first revalidation mission conducted on August 3–7, which assessed its management, conservation programs, community participation and compliance with UNESCO Global Geopark standards.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council unanimously approved the recommendation during its Paris session.
The Green Card signifies that a geopark continues to satisfy UNESCO requirements and may retain its designation for another four-year period. UNESCO Global Geoparks undergo revalidation every four years to assess their management, functionality and continued compliance with program standards.
The recommendation, however, still has to pass through UNESCO’s formal process.
The Council is expected to submit its report and decisions to the UNESCO Executive Board, which will consider endorsement and adoption in the first half of 2027.
Bohol was first designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark on May 24, 2023, becoming the first in the Philippines after its earlier application was deferred in 2019 pending additional requirements.
Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, chairman of the Bohol Island Geopark Management Council, welcomed the Green Card recommendation as a collective achievement.
“Kini nga internasyonal nga pag-ila usa ka kadaugan sa tanang Bol-anon! Ang Green Card bunga sa panaghiusa ug paningkamot sa atong mga LGU, komunidad, stakeholders, partners, ug ang tibuok katawhang Bol-anon nga adunay papel sa pag-atiman sa atong pinalanggang probinsya,” Aumentado said in a Facebook post.
CHOCOLATE HILLS ENTER IUGS LIST
Adding to the UNESCO milestone, the Chocolate Hills secured a place in the Third 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, recognizing the internationally significant geological features and processes that shaped Bohol’s most iconic landscape.
The International Union of Geological Sciences defines a Geological Heritage Site as a location containing geological elements or processes of exceptional scientific relevance that may serve as a global reference or have made an important contribution to the advancement of geological sciences.
Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark Resident Geologist Karl Michael B. Din attended the event in Portugal and received the certificate on behalf of the nomination authors.
Din co-authored the nomination with lead author Dr. Kevin L. Garas and Mines and Geosciences Bureau geologists Dr. Karlo L. Queaño, Kevin Bien D. Tee, Kinjo D. Foryasen, Ranajae D. Canlas and Engr. Michael V. Cabalda.
“We now have something or a certification recognizing the Chocolate Hills as an internationally significant site for its geomorphological uniqueness and the interesting geological processes that shaped it,” Din said.
He noted that despite the Chocolate Hills’ popularity as a tourism destination, many international geoscientists encountered the site for the first time during the IUGS presentation.
Din said the recognition could generate wider scientific discussion about the Chocolate Hills and provide stronger reason for Boholanos to protect, conserve and celebrate the site through local geoconservation efforts.
FROM NATIONAL MONUMENT TO GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Garas likewise emphasized that the IUGS recognition affirms the Chocolate Hills’ international geological significance.
The Chocolate Hills had already been recognized nationally when the National Committee on Geological Sciences declared it one of the National Geological Monuments of the Philippines on June 18, 1988.
Since then, the site has become one of Bohol’s strongest symbols and a cornerstone of its tourism identity.
The new IUGS recognition elevates that significance beyond tourism by formally highlighting the geological processes and geomorphological characteristics that make the Chocolate Hills scientifically important.
CONSERVATION RESPONSIBILITY
The two international developments also place greater responsibility on Bohol to protect its geological, biological and cultural heritage.
UNESCO describes Global Geoparks as areas where geological heritage protection, education, scientific research, local knowledge and sustainable development are pursued together. There are currently 241 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 51 countries.
Under Geopark Program Manager Joanne M. Pinat, the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark continues to strengthen programs linking geoconservation, geoeducation, community participation and sustainable geotourism.
The provincial government likewise continues to align geopark initiatives with UNESCO standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with emphasis on conservation, education, community development and sustainable tourism.
For Bohol, the UNESCO Green Card recommendation and the Chocolate Hills’ inclusion in the IUGS Geological Heritage Sites list represent not only international recognition but a renewed obligation to safeguard the geological heritage that defines the island.
Through science-based conservation, community stewardship and responsible tourism, the province aims to ensure that the Chocolate Hills and the wider Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark remain protected, understood and valued by future generations. (Consolidated from Geopark reports)
