Mount Apo’s bid to become a UNESCO Global Geopark has reached a decisive stage as evaluators from France and China began a five‑day mission in Davao City. Their task is to validate applications submitted by the DENR Protected Area Management Office – Mt. Apo Natural Park, with a focus on conservation, education, and sustainable community‑led development. More than just a tourism accolade, the evaluation is seen as a test of whether the mountain’s geological and ecological wealth can translate into lasting benefits for Indigenous communities who have long cared for it.
During the stakeholders’ dialogue, officials highlighted Mt. Apo’s rare tectonic origins, geothermal energy resources, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural ties with the Bagobo Tagabawa, Bagobo Klata, and Obu‑Manobo peoples. The evaluators will visit cultural sites, schools, eco‑tourism programs, and the geothermal field to see how heritage and community development are connected. If successful, Mt. Apo would join Bohol as the country’s second UNESCO Global Geopark, with a final decision expected in 2027. The challenge ahead is to ensure that global recognition strengthens conservation and Indigenous stewardship while safeguarding the mountain’s unique identity for future generations.