Mount Apo undergoes UNESCO Global Geopark evaluation

International evaluators from UNESCO have arrived in Davao City to begin a five-day on-site validation mission for Mount Apo’s bid to become a UNESCO Global Geopark. The evaluation team, consisting of Dr. Guy Martini from France and Chenggong Zhang from China, will verify a self-evaluation document submitted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional offices XI and XII.

If successful, Mount Apo would become the second site in the Philippines to receive this designation, following Bohol. The 640-square-kilometer protected area is being nominated based on four primary pillars: its unique geological tectonics involving the Molucca Sea and Philippine Sea Plates, its world-class geothermal production field, its rich biodiversity, and its deep cultural integration with the Bagobo Tagabawa, Bagobo Klata, and Obu-Manobo indigenous groups.

The validation process will include meetings with indigenous cultural communities in Digos City and Santa Cruz, interactions with students, and visits to the geothermal production sites to assess how the area manages conservation, education, and sustainable community-led development.