DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / August 16) — UNESCO evaluators arrived here on Sunday to begin a five-day field validation of the nomination of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, as a potential UNESCO Global Geopark. The evaluators, Gay Martin Martini of France and Chenggong Zhang of China, will verify the self-evaluation checklist submitted jointly by the DENR regional offices XI and XII in 2025. Among 14 global applications for UNESCO recognition in 2026, Mt. Apo’s nomination is under review.
Clint Michael Cleofe, OIC Superintendent of Mt. Apo Natural Park Protected Area Management Office, stated that the validation process includes immersion in indigenous communities, meetings with students, and visits to the Mt. Apo Geothermal Production Field. Cleofe highlighted four key reasons for Mt. Apo’s nomination: its rare tectonic setting, world-class geothermal production, indigenous cultural significance, and rich biodiversity. The mountain is home to three indigenous communities—Bagobo Klata, Bagobo Tagabawa, and Ovu Manobo.
UNESCO defines Global Geoparks as unified areas where internationally significant geological sites are managed with a focus on protection, education, and sustainable development, involving local communities. The evaluators aim to assess the proposed geopark’s boundaries, management, and threats while providing recommendations.
Martini expressed excitement about meeting local communities and learning from them, while Zhang emphasized their role in both evaluating and supporting the nomination. Preparations for the nomination began in 2022 and included biodiversity and geological assessments, along with stakeholder coordination.
Cleofe remains optimistic but acknowledged that UNESCO’s decision may take time, with a potential announcement in June 2027. Currently, there are 241 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 51 countries, with Bohol being the only one in the Philippines. The designation is valid for four years before undergoing revalidation. (Razl EJ Teman / MindaNews)
