The Island Province of Bohol (MB file photo)
Senator Nancy Binay has welcomed the designation of the Island of Bohol as a UNESCO Global Geopark calling it a “big step for the people of Bohol and the country.”
Binay, head of the Senate Committee on Tourism, said being the country's first UNESCO Global Geopark provides a sound direction for the protection of our geological heritage.
“We hope that the designation of Bohol Island as a geosite will set into motion the protection and preservation of other relevant and potential geosites in the country,” Binay said in a statement.
“The Philippines, with our 7,641 islands, has an intrinsic and strong differentiating factor. This UNESCO recognition emphasizes the Philippines' comparative advantage--we can claim, with great pride, that our geoparks have exceptional aesthetics, bar none,” she also said.
UNESCO’s recognition of Bohol, she said, shows that the contry has a natural wealth that the whole world appreciates and and that can be used for development.
“Bohol shows us the way forward with the UNESCO validation as a template to innovative development strategies, and a commitment to promote geotourism,” she said.
“Bohol illustrates na posible ang sustainable ecotourism and development--na maaari nating gamitin ang ating natural resources, ngunit hindi sa punto ng pag-abuso, at grounded sa idea na kailangan natin itong protektahan, pangalagaan, at palaguin (that sustainable ecotourism and development is possible--that we can use our natural resources, but not to the point of abuse, and grounded in the idea that we need to protect, preserve, and grow them),” she pointed out.
Binay said she hopes that Bohol will serve as a template for the national government and local government units (LGUs) on “how we can responsibly pursue development.”
“We have so many more towns and provinces that have the potential for global recognition and ecological significance. Sana, let's #BeLikeBohol at palawakin ang green and sustainable consciousness,” the lawmaker said.
“I look forward to seeing this recognition be translated into meaningful gains for our people,” she reiterated.