Sta. Cruz Municipality Champions Mt. Apo's UNESCO Global Geopark Aspiration
The Municipality of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, as one of the local government units encompassing the Mt. Apo National Park area, has expressed its full commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at securing a spot for the mountain in the prestigious UNESCO list of Global Geoparks. This move aligns with broader conservation efforts to recognize and protect the region's unique geological heritage.
Understanding UNESCO Global Geoparks
According to UNESCO, Global Geoparks are defined as unified geographical territories where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed through a comprehensive approach that emphasizes protection, education, and sustainable development. In the Philippines, only Bohol Island, renowned for its distinctive karst formations like the iconic Chocolate Hills, currently holds this esteemed designation.
"Mt. Apo has significant potential to become a UNESCO Geopark in the Philippines. Since there is only one, which is the island of Bohol, we are striving diligently to become the second entry on this list," stated Sta. Cruz Municipal Tourism Officer Julius Paner. He highlighted that the boulder face within Sta. Cruz's jurisdiction represents one of the most prominent geological features of the mountain, alongside other natural wonders such as sulfur vents, lakes, and the crater.
Historical Context and Challenges
The journey towards UNESCO recognition for Mt. Apo has been ongoing for years. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) took the lead in submitting the application for the UNESCO Global Geoparks list as early as 2021. Previously, in 2009, Mt. Apo sought inclusion based on its remarkable endemism and biodiversity. However, in 2015, it was removed from UNESCO's tentative list due to concerns over illegal logging, poaching, exploitation, and encroachment from urban and agricultural activities.
Paner emphasized that Sta. Cruz has been a steadfast supporter of the DENR's campaign from the outset, providing essential documentation and fulfilling other requirements necessary for the application process. This collaborative effort underscores the local government's dedication to environmental preservation.
Regional Support and Legislative Backing
Other local government units bordering Mt. Apo have also rallied behind the UNESCO Geopark inclusion initiative. In a significant step, Davao City enacted Ordinance No. 0472-24 in 2024, which designates Mt. Apo as a geological monument and formally endorses the DENR's application to the UNESCO list. This ordinance reflects a unified regional commitment to safeguarding the mountain's geological and ecological integrity.
Promoting Geological Awareness Through Mountaineering
As part of its support for Mt. Apo's global geopark aspirations, the Sta. Cruz LGU is actively promoting mountaineering activities that help raise awareness about the mountain's geological features among enthusiasts. One notable event is the upcoming Mt. Apo climb scheduled for February 19-21, organized by the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. This expedition is expected to attract approximately 150 climbers from across the nation.
Paner noted that participation will be carefully regulated, as Mt. Apo is a protected area, and authorities strictly adhere to mandated capacity limits to minimize environmental impact. "We are honored to have been selected, given the numerous mountains in Mindanao. As a local government promoting eco-tourism and adventure, we offer our complete support to the association by facilitating requests, assisting in preparations, and handling coordination. This is another avenue for us to bolster Mt. Apo's UNESCO Geopark ambition," he explained.
He further added, "The national climb aims to inspire mountaineers from all over the country to help disseminate information about our UNESCO efforts." This initiative not only fosters community engagement but also amplifies the message of conservation on a broader scale.
Through these concerted efforts, Sta. Cruz and its neighboring LGUs are positioning Mt. Apo as a prime candidate for UNESCO recognition, highlighting its geological significance while advocating for sustainable tourism practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.
