Mt. Apo's UNESCO Geopark bid moves closer after experts' visit
KIDAPAWAN CITY — The dream of seeing Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak, earn a spot on the UNESCO Global Geopark list has taken a significant step forward. After a five-day evaluation by international experts, supporters are feeling hopeful about the outcome.
Cynthia Fortin, program manager of the Mount Apo Foundation Inc. (MAFI), said they presented the foundation's key projects to the UNESCO evaluators. These include protecting environmental resources and preserving the rich cultural traditions of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) living within the Mount Apo Natural Park.
Fortin highlighted the grassroots work of the local Bantay Bukid, or forest guards. “These dedicated community members patrol ancestral lands to preserve sacred cultural sites and protect local biodiversity,” she said in a statement.
MAFI has been part of the Geopark bid since early preparations started in 2022, working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Regions 11 and 12.
Who evaluated Mt. Apo for UNESCO?
UNESCO evaluators Dr. Guy Martin Martini of France and Chenggong Zhang of China carried out the field mission from Aug. 17 to 21. Their itinerary included visits to:
- Lake Agco hot springs and the Mount Apo Geothermal Production Field in Kidapawan City
- The newly opened museum run by the Mt. Apo Geopark and the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) in Barangay Kapatagan, Digos City
- The Bagobo Tagabawa Cultural Village in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
The PAMO museum showcases geo-heritage, geoconservation efforts, geosites, biodiversity, and cultural heritage within Mt. Apo Natural Park. Visitors can see rock specimens from the mountain and textiles that reflect the traditional clothing and practices of the local IPs.
What did the UNESCO experts say about Mt. Apo?
Zhang offered a memorable observation during the museum visit. “While Mt. Apo is famed for its ecological and geological significance, it is your culture that gives life to it,” he said.
Martini echoed this sentiment, stressing “that the indigenous community and their cultural heritage are the true keepers of Mt. Apo's territory.”
Why does the Geopark bid matter for local communities?
Jimmy Mantawil, chairperson of Barangay Ilomavis at the foot of Mt. Apo, shared his optimism on social media. “This is not only about recognizing the mountain but also an opportunity to show to the world the beauty and significance of Mount Apo, while doing our best to preserve it for future generations,” he said.
Mantawil believes a UNESCO Global Geopark inscription would boost tourism and the local economy. More visitors would mean more opportunities for the communities around the mountain.
How many UNESCO Global Geoparks exist in the Philippines?
If Mt. Apo succeeds, it will become the second UNESCO Global Geopark in the country, following Bohol in the Visayas, known for its Chocolate Hills.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are unified geographical areas where sites of international geological significance are managed with a holistic approach to protection, education, and sustainable development. Currently, there are 241 UNESCO Global Geoparks across 51 countries.
Mt. Apo, a declared protected area, was earlier recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park during the 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 29, 1984.
The final decision rests with UNESCO, but for the people of Mindanao, the mountain's worth has never been in question.