TAGBILARAN Bishop Alberto Uy on Friday, May 26, 2023, said the recent recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) of Bohol as the Philippines’ first Global Geopark entails additional responsibility for its people to care more for the environment.
In a radio interview, Uy said the international title heightens expectations for Boholanos to show more care for Mother Earth if only to maintain the Unesco recognition.
"This international recognition comes with heavy-duty responsibilities for we are called to resolutely commit to reduce our carbon footprints, lessen the effects of climate change, and trim down risks spawned by natural and human-made hazards, thereby sustaining our island-province’s resources," said Uy.
"Above all, the conservation and proper valorisation of Bohol’s natural and cultural heritage and the safeguarding of our intangible heritage demand our highest attention," he added.
On Wednesday, Bohol became the Philippines’ first Global Geopark after the Unesco recognized 18 new global geoparks.
Created in 2015, the Unesco title recognizes geological heritage of international significance.
Currently, there are now a total number of 195 global geoparks located in 48 countries.
Unesco said it acknowledges Bohol for having a "geological identity that has been pieced together for over 150 million years."
Uy said the Unesco recognition gives Bohol and its people another source of pride.
"This designation provides us Boholanos with a heightened sense of pride of place and fortifies our connectivity with our land," said Uy. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)